D. R. Congo, Kuba Bushoong
Royal sword "ilwoon" or "ilondo" in raffia sheath

steel, wood, handle with richly punched copper sheet cladding (small missing part), raffia sheath with velvet embroidery ("Kasai plush")

The blade is inserted into the handle with resin-like putty. Cowry snails are pressed into the mass and an animal claw is inserted on each side.

Originally these swords were used as a weapon of war. However, after the colonial system stopped the fights between the tribes, this classic type of sword knife was converted and used as a status weapon and dance utensil.
L: 53 cm, L: 20,9 inch

Provenance:
Dieter Schaffner, Groß-Gerau, Germany

Lit.: Zirngibl, Manfred A. & Alexander Kubetz, Panga na visu, Riedlhütte 2009, p. 209, ill. 501