Object Details
- Label Text
- This type of sword, the ilwoon, functioned as the main Kuba war sword. By royal decree it is supposed to be carried sheathed in cloth in peacetime. Given the embellishment of the blade and the hilt, it is not surprising that it also a ceremonial weapon, forming part of the dance costume worn by men at important funerals.
- Description
- Iron blade, narrow at hilt, widening to a convex curved tip. Blade is pierced with three holes near tip, fourth where blade begins to flare. Wood hilt is goblet shaped with wide circular pommel.
- Content Statement
- As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
- Image Requests
- High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
- Data Source
- National Museum of African Art
- Maker
- Kuba artist
- Credit Line
- Gift of Harold Rome
- Medium
- Metal, wood, pigment
- Dimensions
- H x W: 63.5 x 12.4 cm (25 x 4 7/8 in.)
- Type
- Sculpture
