Axe

Description

wood, brown patina, metal, anthropomorphic head with cascade-like coiffure, the mortised blade emerging from the mouth, min. dam., slight traces of abrasion and corrosion;
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.