Antique Kuba War Sword ‘Ilwoon’

A nice old example of the Kuba war sword ‘Ilwoon’. This sword was used only for warfare. This sword has a very robust heavy blade, narrow and flaring at the tip, the narrow section greatly strengthened by a thick raised ridge on both sides, nearer the tip this veers off to end with two offset smaller fullers. The tip is broadened and sharp to both edges and the tip which is rounded. There is a pattern of eight small holes pierced in the tip. The steel is dark and covered with an uncleaned encrusted patina, the wooden hilt of one piece and carved to the grip with a spirally design, the disc pommel with central protrusing nub. Very nice old piece, large and clearly a piece for use. Circa 1900. Central Africa