Ceremonial adze "khaandu"

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Description

wood, partly encrusted patina, remains of polychrome paint, slightly corroded metal, shaft partly wrapped in copper sheet, crowned by a human head with tribe-typical facial features and headgear, an iron blade emerging from its mouth, min. dam., missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, on base;
insignia of a headman (“leemba”), used to be carried over the shoulder, when visiting lineage members. It could even have been part of the insignias of a regional chief or a “ngaanga ngombu” diviner.

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Comparing literature

Bourgeois, Arthur P., The Yaka and Suku, Leiden 1985, pl. VI

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