Knife, Kuba : 2014.1.117

Title:

Kuba Knife / Small Sword

Object Name:

Knife, Kuba

Other Name:

Sword / Knife, Kuba

Place of Origin:

Kuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 19—1/2"
W = 3—1/2"
D = 2—1/4"

Knives, daggers and swords from the Kuba people are used as prestige items. Historical documents indicate that quantities of them were brought to the Congo by Portuguese and Dutch traders beginning around the 16th century. Many weapons were then forged by Congolese blacksmiths to emulate foreign examples. They were reserved for nobles and used for important ceremonial occasions.

Knives, axes, currency blades and spears, all made of forged iron, attest to the skills in metal of the Kuba peoples of central Africa. Most exhibit an inventive variety of form and workmanship far beyond what was functionally necessary.

Description:

Knife with large wooden handle, flat hand—hammered blade, expanding at pointed end with an undulating point.

Collection:

Finley Collection

Material:

Wood W/Iron

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Carving / Metal Working

Owned:

Art Department, MSSU