Zemanek-Münster

Ritual adze and prestige object ·  D. R. Congo, Songye · ID: 3050143

sold EUR 2,300
Provenance
Alexander Kubetz (1946-2023), Munich, Germany
Size
L: 45,5 cm (shaft) / 29 cm (blade)
L: 17.9 inch (shaft) / 11.4 inch (blade)

Description

wood, copper alloy (sheet and inserts), steel, base

This cult axe is published on the cover of the standard work on African short weapons and shields “panga na visu” by M. Zirngibl and A. Kubetz. In the book it is listed on page 217 as fig. 522.

The shaft and anthropomorphic headpiece of this adze is covered with thin copper sheet, the axe blade decorated with elaborate copper inserts. Such prestigious objects were only worn over the shoulder by high-ranking tribal leaders at ritual festivals.


The object Ritual adze and prestige object with the object ID 3050143 was part of the auction 101st Auction on November 11, 2023. The object with the lot number 83 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,300 with an asking price of EUR 1,200.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about African art.


Publications

Zirngibl, Manfred A. & Alexander Kubetz, "panga na visu", Riedlhütte 2009, p. 217, ill. 522 and on book cover


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