This Ikul, with its leaf-shaped brass blade, would have been worn by Kuba men in public as insignia. The wooden handle is adorned with intricately interwoven, miniscule, metal inlay designs. The Kuba associate elaborate ornamentation with high status and prestige, and are renowned for their use of rhythmic geometric designs to decorate objects from textiles to ceremonial cups. Over time, the handle has developed a lovely surface patina.
Estimated Period: First Half of 20th Century (1930’s)
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