Axe ·  D. R. Congo, Luba · ID: 3039641

Description

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

The object Axe with the object ID 3039641 was last part of the auction 81st Tribal Art Auction at October 31, 2015 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 467.

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Comparing literature

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