Lot 96A

19th C. Congo / Kuba Iron Spear for Defense & Prestige

Previous image preload Next image preload

19th C. Congo / Kuba Iron Spear for Defense & Prestige

Estimate: $1,200 - $1,800

Starting Bid: $600

(0 Bids)

October 2, 2025 8:00 AM MDT (In Progress)
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US


Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kuba or Nkutshu (Nkutschu) peoples, ca. 19th century CE. A broad iron spearhead with a tubular socket mounted atop a long, slender wooden shaft. Three sets of thick hammered flat iron wires are wrapped tightly around the shaft - at both ends and at the midsection - serving as reinforcement and decoration. Originating from the Kuba kingdom, a powerful polity composed of numerous ethnic groups with a central court at Bushoong, such spears were not only functional weapons but also ceremonial emblems of prestige and the iron was sometimes used in trade and as currency. Size: 4" W x 56.5" H (10.2 cm x 143.5 cm); 57" H (144.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection, acquired from 2000 to 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#195701

  • Condition: Nicks and chips to the edges of head and indentations. Dark patina and toning. Old loss to the butt end of the wood pole. Chips and abrasions to the wood.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000