Axe

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Description

wood, brown patina, metal, a round, slightly waisted shaft, supporting an anthropomorphic head with a cascade-like coiffure, the mortised blade growing out of its mouth, brass nails for decoration, min. dam., minor missing parts (metal tags), on base;
aside their role as prestige emblems, axes carry more profound messages in Luba royal ritual. Above all they play a central role in the initiation rites of “mbudye”, an association responsible for inducting persons into royal office.The axe is the instrument used to clear the path.

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Comparing literature

Fischer, Werner, Zirngibl, Manfred A., Afrikanische Waffen, Passau 1978, p. 137, ill. 247

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