Title:
Kuba Knife
Object Name:
Knife, Kuba
Other Name:
Knife, Kuba
Place of Origin:
Kuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa
Provenance:
Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 17"
W = 2—1/2"
D = 1—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 Historical documents indicate that quantities of them were brought to the Congo by Portuguese and Dutch traders beginning around the 16th century.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.
H = 17"
W = 2—1/2"
D = 1—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 Historical documents indicate that quantities of them were brought to the Congo by Portuguese and Dutch traders beginning around the 16th century.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:
Long knife with a leaf—shaped planished blade, brown wooden hilt and handle. Teardrop finial.
Collection:
Finley Collection
Material:
Wood W/Iron
Used:
Ritually Used
Technique:
Carving / Metal Working
Owned:
Art Department, MSSU
Accession#:
2014.1.121
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