The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of February 5, 2023

Knife

before 1916

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba-style maker

Iron, wood, and copper alloy

Overall: 36.1 cm (14 3/16 in.); Blade: 24.7 cm (9 3/4 in.)

Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.721

Location

not on view

Description

The Kuba, also known as the Bushongo or "People of the Throwing Knife," used knives as symbols of civic authority. Chiefs and other members of the ruling elite carried this type (ikul). Introduced by King Shyaam in the second quarter of the 17th century, the ikul replaced the warrior's throwing knife and proclaimed an era of peace. Note the elaborate inlaid metal patterns in the handle and the incised lines in the blade.

Exhibition history

Western Reserve Historical Society (4/24/2004 - 11/27/2004): 'Standing on Ceremony: Traditional African Arms from the Donna and Robert Jackson Collection and the Cleveland Museum of Art"

Standing on Ceremony: Traditional African Arms from the Donna and Robert Jackson Collection and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Western Reserve Historical Society, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (April 24, 2004-March 15, 2005).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1916.721