Kuba Ilwoon Sword

The Kuba sword Ilwoon was a weapon of war and became an essential part of ceremonies among noble warriors. This symbolic sword was often kept in a fitted sewn raffia bag (ngum ilutoom), as it needed to be hidden on most occasions. The Ilwoon was of ten danced with and swung around in the air mimicing the fight in warfare. 

This is a fine sword with the bottom of the hilt decorated with faces. It is also very rare to find the sword complete with its raffia bag.

Late 19th Century