Axe · D. R. Congo, Luba/Shankadi · ID: 3034859
Didier Claes, Brussels, Belgium
Description
wood, slightly shiny brown patina, metal, crowned by a human head with cascade-like coiffure, the mortised blade growing out of its mouth, min. dam., small missing part (coiffure), fine cracks, metal socle;
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.
The object Axe with the object ID 3034859 was last part of the auction 73rd tribal art auction at May 25, 2013 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 392.
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Comparing literature
Fischer, Werner, Zirngibl, Manfred A., Afrikanische Waffen, Passau 1978, p. 137, ill. 247