Knife/dagger ‘ikhula’ With Copper Blade From The Kuba Tribe From Congo

A rare, prestigious Kuba knife, known as an Ikhula, from the Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This ceremonial weapon is distinguished by its elegantly shaped leaf-like blade and its carved hardwood handle, finely decorated with geometric motifs characteristic of Kuba art.

This example has an exceptional feature: its blade is made of brass, whereas the vast majority of known Ikhula have a wrought-iron blade. The use of brass—a prestigious material associated with power and social status in many Central African cultures—makes this a particularly rare and sought-after piece.

The blade, adorned with fine parallel fluting and decorative perforations, attests to remarkable metallurgical craftsmanship. The handle, with its aged patina, is embellished with delicate incised motifs and metal inlays, underscoring the object’s ceremonial and symbolic nature.

More than just a weapon, the Ikhula was a symbol of prestige used during ceremonies, high-level exchanges, and as a marker of status within Kuba society.