Ceremonial adze

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Description

wood, blackish brown patina, metal, the back of the handle carved with two female figures, one on top of the other, crowned by an anthropomorphic head, the blade describing a wide bow, dam., missing parts (head), cracks, paint rubbed off, on base;
according to J. Laude elaborate ceremonial adzes belonged to the blacksmiths and were used as staffs or emblems. According to K. Ezra they might be associated with the worship of “binu” ancestral spirits and belonged to “binu” priests.

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Comparing literature

Ezra, Kate, Art of the Dogon, New York 1988, p. 95 Laude, Jean, African Art of the Dogon, New York 1973, ill. 45

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