Blade

Axe

AF1242B

From: Zaire | Kasai District | Belgian Congo

Curatorial Section: African

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Object Number AF1242B
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Zappo-Zap
Provenience Zaire | Kasai District | Belgian Congo
Section African
Materials Copper | Iron | Wood
Description

Blade is of iron and is ornately carved; fan-like shape; open work in center; two human faces in relief on center of blade-two on the front and two on the back; edge of blade is pointed on one end and other end is squared off.

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. Basonge type.

Length 21.5 cm
Width 21.5 cm
Credit Line Purchased from J. F. G. Umlauff, 1912
Other Number 765 - Other Number

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