Congo War Sword (Ilwoon)

This spatula-shaped knife or ilwoon is from the Kuba people and it has the most splendid patina. It is also accompanied by a custom-made, black metal display stand. Overall, it is particularly sculptural and decorative.

The hilt is the most striking element on account of its patina. It is fashioned from a single piece of wood, but set with rounded metal button-headed tacks (several are now missing). The flatter part of the hilt is wrapped with copper and iron strips. The age and colour is very striking.

The blade is symmetrical in shape and of locally-forged iron. The blade flares out slightly from the top of wooden hilt, and extends inwards and then flares out again to a concave tip. The fuller extends from the hilt down the blade before flaring into a triangular form.

The blade tang is inserted through the centre of the wooden handle.

The blade does have some old rust staining, but mostly to one side.

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 Congo. 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.

The knife here is in fne condition, and as mentioned has a modern display stand which adds to its decorative appeal.