Two ceremonial axes
D. R. Congo, Songye
not available anymore
Provenance
Ludwig Leicher, Berlin, GermanySize
H: 40 cm & 41 cm
H: 15.7 inch & 16.1 inch
Description
blades in openwork design, each side decorated with one, resp. two anthropomorphic faces, shafts covered with copper sheet, min. dam., traces of corrosion;
the blades of these hatchets are supported by five struts. Each of these struts is temporarily placed in fire for welding. Before this happens, faces are embossed on the struts. Nose, mouth and eyes are carefully chiseled. Before the ends are welded to the blade, they are twisted into coils and framed by arched struts. The blade is thus supported on an almost baroque-like iron work creating, despite its weight, a graceful impression.
Comparing literature
Zirngibl, Manfred A. & Werner Fischer, Afrikanische Waffen, Passau 1978, p. 163, ill. 294Publications
AHDRC: 0141999