Ceremonial axe

Object Details

Songye artist

Label Text

Metalworking has ancient beginnings in Africa. Archaeologists have dated slag from iron smelting furnaces to 300 B.C.E. It is likely that works of copper predated even this early date. Iron ore was widely distributed throughout Africa, and during the pre-colonial and colonial periods, scrap iron was in large supply for use by blacksmiths. Because iron was difficult to create, it was associated with leadership and power. Decorated axes like this one were insignia of rank and were often displayed in ceremonies as symbols of wealth and prestige. In some cases these axes were also used as currency.

Description

Axe with worked iron head and wooden handle covered with sheet copper. The blade is composed of five radiating iron spokes, twisted and knotted, and embossed with three human faces.

Provenance

Lawrence Gussman, New York, after 1963 to 1972

Content Statement

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Credit Line

Gift of Lawrence Gussman

Late 19th-early 20th century

Object number

72-4-33

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Sculpture

Medium

iron, copper alloy, wood

Dimensions

H x W x D: 37.4 x 4.4 x 23cm (14 3/4 x 1 3/4 x 9 1/16in.)

Geography

Democratic Republic of the Congo

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Status

Male use

male

Trade

Record ID

nmafa_72-4-33

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys786f79599-2b6a-47ff-866e-ea4818c0a391