My First Kuba Sword......comments please

katana · 17th October 2006, 12:07 AM

Hi, just purchased this Kuba Ikul ( Ikulbapyaang),

Measuring 15” (38cm)in length and 4 ½” (11cms)across the widest part of the blade, described as late 19th Century Kuba War Knife. The blade is also described as slightly pitted with the odd dent on the blade edge. It has a hardwood decorated handle and comes in a hide pouch measuring 10” x 8”, and is decorated with Cowrie shells and miniature carved masks.

According to my research...cowrie shells were used as money (by various tribes including the Kuba). There are three small carved 'masks' which seem similar (in style) to other full sized ceremonial/religious masks. The picture is not clear enough to decide whether each 'mask' is different. If they are .....it could be because......

Three royal mask types exist: the tailored Mwaash aMbooy, representing Woot and the king; the wooden face
mask, Ngady Mwaash aMbooy, the incestuous sister-wife of Woot; and the wooden helmet mask, Bwoom ,the
commoner. These characters appear in a variety of contexts including public ceremonies, rites involving the king,
and initiations. Although their dances are generally solo, together the three royal masks reenact Kuba myths of
origin (Cornet 1982:254,256; Roy 1979:170).

An extract from..
http://www.randafricanart.com/kuba_Ngady_aMwaash.html

Have I got myself a good piece........comments please gentlemen...thankyou

17th October 2006, 12:07 AM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	My First Kuba Sword......comments please Hi, just purchased this Kuba Ikul ( Ikulbapyaang), Measuring 15” (38cm)in length and 4 ½” (11cms)across the widest part of the blade, described as late 19th Century Kuba War Knife. The blade is also described as slightly pitted with the odd dent on the blade edge. It has a hardwood decorated handle and comes in a hide pouch measuring 10” x 8”, and is decorated with Cowrie shells and miniature carved masks. According to my research...cowrie shells were used as money (by various tribes including the Kuba). There are three small carved 'masks' which seem similar (in style) to other full sized ceremonial/religious masks. The picture is not clear enough to decide whether each 'mask' is different. If they are .....it could be because...... Three royal mask types exist: the tailored Mwaash aMbooy, representing Woot and the king; the wooden face mask, Ngady Mwaash aMbooy, the incestuous sister-wife of Woot; and the wooden helmet mask, Bwoom ,the commoner. These characters appear in a variety of contexts including public ceremonies, rites involving the king, and initiations. Although their dances are generally solo, together the three royal masks reenact Kuba myths of origin (Cornet 1982:254,256; Roy 1979:170). An extract from.. http://www.randafricanart.com/kuba_Ngady_aMwaash.html Have I got myself a good piece........comments please gentlemen...thankyou Attached Images