Axe

AF1206

From: Zaire | Kasai District | Belgian Congo

Curatorial Section: African

Object Number AF1206
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Zappo-Zap
Provenience Zaire | Kasai District | Belgian Congo
Section African
Materials Copper | Wood | Iron
Description

Copper, cylindrical handle; top end is rounded; rim of base is flared with a flat base; three bands of copper are found on body of handle; (handle is of wood with copper tacked over it); blade is of Iron and is ornately carved; fan-like shape; open work in center; four human faces in relief on center of blade-two on the front and two on the back.

These axes were formerly carried in front of chiefs as insignia of the dignity; nowadays they are, however, made for export by the very clever Zappo-Zap smiths. Four human heads in relief on blade

Length 36.5 cm
Width 20.5 cm
Outside Diameter 6 cm
Credit Line Gift of Charles A. Butler, 1913

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