Michael Backman Ltd - Home
War Sword (Ilwoon)
Bushoong People
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire)
early 20th century or earlier
length: 45cm
The blade of this spatula-shaped knife, ilwoon, is of locally-forged iron and is in fine condition with little oxidation. It is symmetrical in shape. The flat blade is
slightly concave before flaring at the tip. The fuller extends from the top of the hilt for approximately 24.5 centimetres before flaring to form a triangle. The
blade tang is inserted through the centre of the wooden handle. Its sharp end protrudes from the end of the pommel and is bent to secure the blade in place.
The hilt is of a single piece of wood; its pommel is stained black. Its base is circular, slightly curved and decorated by small hemispherical copper and brass
pins.
The hilt is concave from the top of the pommel to form a short cylindrical body before it flares to a flatter, more oval-shaped end, where it joins the blade. The
grip is wrapped with copper, brass and iron strips. These strips begin where the blade joins the hilt and their ends are hammered into slots in the wood to
secure them. A loose and fine brass wire is attached to the hilt.
Principally a weapon of war, an ilwoon was also worn as part of a dance costume at the funeral of the chiefs.
War Sword (Ilwoon)
Bushoong People
Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaire)
early 20th century or earlier
length: 45cm
The blade of this spatula-shaped knife, ilwoon, is of locally-forged iron and is in fine condition with little oxidation. It is symmetrical in shape. The flat blade is
slightly concave before flaring at the tip. The fuller extends from the top of the hilt for approximately 24.5 centimetres before flaring to form a triangle. The
blade tang is inserted through the centre of the wooden handle. Its sharp end protrudes from the end of the pommel and is bent to secure the blade in place.
The hilt is of a single piece of wood; its pommel is stained black. Its base is circular, slightly curved and decorated by small hemispherical copper and brass
pins.
The hilt is concave from the top of the pommel to form a short cylindrical body before it flares to a flatter, more oval-shaped end, where it joins the blade. The
grip is wrapped with copper, brass and iron strips. These strips begin where the blade joins the hilt and their ends are hammered into slots in the wood to
secure them. A loose and fine brass wire is attached to the hilt.
Principally a weapon of war, an ilwoon was also worn as part of a dance costume at the funeral of the chiefs.
The Kuba Kingdom (1625-1900) was a pre-colonial central African state within Zaire (known as the Democratic
Republic of the Congo today). It began as a loose conglomerate of several tribes with no central authority. Around
1625, Shyaam a-Mbul Ngoong-Shyaam united all the tribes under his leadership. According to folklore, Shyaam
a-Mbul was the adopted son of a Kuba queen.
References: Ginzberg, M., African Forms, Skira editore, 2000.
Provenance: Acquired in the early 1970s at Wallis & Wallis by the previous owner.
Inventory no.: 893
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
Click here for more Tribal items.
Republic of the Congo today). It began as a loose conglomerate of several tribes with no central authority. Around
1625, Shyaam a-Mbul Ngoong-Shyaam united all the tribes under his leadership. According to folklore, Shyaam
a-Mbul was the adopted son of a Kuba queen.
References: Ginzberg, M., African Forms, Skira editore, 2000.
Provenance: Acquired in the early 1970s at Wallis & Wallis by the previous owner.
Inventory no.: 893
This Item is available - Ask about this item.
Click here for more Tribal items.
