Short sword (ikul)
Artist Unidentified
20th century
Object PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueWood, copper alloy, wire
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 number2009.2562
On View
Not on viewClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing
Collections
This short sword (ikul) has abstract geometric patterns carved into its woodern handle that recall Kuba raffia mat patterns, as well as 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.
ProvenanceGeneviève 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)
