Short sword (ikul)
Artist Unidentified
early 20th century
Object PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueWood, copper alloy
DimensionsOverall: 30 x 7 x 6 cm (11 13/16 x 2 3/4 x 2 3/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2671
On View
On viewClassificationsArms and armor
Collections
This short sword (ikul) has delicately inlaid brass on its wooden handle, which recalls Kuba raffia mat patterns, and engraved fullers in its copper blade. Such short swords are associated with masculine power and Kuba royalty. Previously, swords such as this would have been carried by all adult Kuba men.
Provenance1970s, acquired in Paris by Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)
