TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities "Altering The Way You View The World Of Art" |
Type of Object:
Ethnic Group:
Material:
- Kuba Knife
19th c.
The Kuba with a seemingly unabated proclivity for war devised a
series of sabres, swords, clubs, axes and knives that were
unparalleled by any other African nation. This old Knife shows
great style, a well worn wooden handle, and is a fine example
crafted in a style known as “ikul”, one reserved exclusively for the
Bushong, the ruling class of the Kuba. The blade is bulbous and
secure. The hilt, smooth and patinated.
The knife, or sword as it called, functioned primarily as an
offensive weapon of attack, secondarily as highly decorated
ceremonial paraphernalia and as objects of great personal pride
that indicated social position. The mere shape of the blade would
convey the bearers distinctive status. The knives, fitted with strong
metal blades and wooden hilts often carried mythological
symbolism within their design.
- When one speaks of the Kuba people you refer to a nation of
subtribes most notably the Bushong, Pyaang, Kele, Batwa and
Ngeende. The Kuba’s neighbors, the Luba gave them their name
which means “people of lightning.”
Kuba history is a violent one with resisting hostile invaders,
instigating territorial takeovers, quieting social unrest and actively
participating in the European slave trade. This war like disposition
of the Kuba was epitomized by one of their kings…”You have
seen me kill many men. if I should neglect this indispensable duty,
would my ancestors suffer me to live?” After the abolition of
slavery they continued to expand their military forces. In the 18th
century an army of female solders known as ‘ahosi’, ‘the kings
wives’ was put to task. Europeans referred to them as ‘Amazons.’
By the 19th century the Amazons formed the elite of the army.
Ethnic Group:
- Kuba Society
- Zaire
Material:
- Copper Blade
Wooden Handle
- 13.5" l. x 3.5 w.
- page 177 of "African Forms" by Ginzberg, Copyright 2000.
