Ceremonial adze ·  D. R. Congo, Pende · ID: 3039725

Description

wood, dark brown patina, red paint, kaolin, iron blade, decorating tags, poker work, adze head in shape of an athropomorphic head with the blade protruding like a tongue from the head’s mouth, typical facial features (vaulted forehead, continuous arching brows, nearly closed eyes), slightly dam., minor missing parts (coiffure, shaft), min. corrosion;
in the past, a Pende chief wore a decorative adze with a fine blade and a sculpted shaft over his left shoulder while travelling. The adze not only added to his style but gave him the power to speak with authority. The chief would sometimes send the adze with a messenger to reprimand one of his subordinates, or to summon someone to trial.

Comparing literature

Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 332