Copper blade African knife
 

Would like to know more about this. Ebay seller said "ceremonial." I know that copper can be an important metal in some cultures. Any ideas if this is real or tourist? Blade came loose. Would also like to know how to resecure it.

Bill

These daggers are not meant for war they are more like status symbols and the copper ones are usually meant for the chiefs and persons of high social status in the tribe. You can use some epoxy or super glue to secure the blade.

Lew

Yeah, an Ikula dagger from Kuba people, very nice :)

Lew shame on you :D :eek: I always use PVA adhesive as it drys clear and if need be reversible. You can add things to it like soot if you have a mind to, making an appearance much like some sort of tree resin or nasty boiled up animal jungle goo. If you can get some Gum Arabic that would look good on this repair.

Bill, you could always pressure fit it with some cloth like you would a keris.
Nice piece. I don't think it is a tourist item. :)

Nice dagger, Bill

The copper ones are for the 'rich folk'. Did you know that there are also wooden Kuba-knives ?

Here's an example I had some time ago :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...eelding921.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...eelding933.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...eelding932.jpg

The use of wooden knives and swords among the Kuba has something to do with the lunar cycle. At some time during the month, metal cannot be used.

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping that it was not "made for sale." You never really know. It has a nice feel, solid.

When I got it from James Willis, he said ..... just kidding! Really did get it on eBay.

Will make a tag that says "Ikula Dagger from the Kuba people, made for a rich person."

Neat wooden dagger Freddy. For what sort of ceremonies did they use these? The lunar movements?

I like David's suggestion, but might use pitch. Is that what they originally used?