Axe

AF1247

From: Zaire | Kasai District | Belgian Congo

Curatorial Section: African

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Object Number AF1247
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Zappo-Zap
Provenience Zaire | Kasai District | Belgian Congo
Section African
Materials Copper | Iron | Wood
Description

Ceremonial. 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; two human heads in relief-one on either side of blade.

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. See AF1241

Length 34.7 cm
Width 17.5 cm
Outside Diameter 3.6 cm
Credit Line Purchased from J. F. G. Umlauff, 1912
Other Number 1228 - Other Number

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