Ceremonial Axe Kilonda with Copper Blade
Songye, D.R. Congo
Copper, wood
Circa 1940s

This type of axe, known as kilonda, was mainly produced by the Songye, but also by the Nsapo and Luba. Though their shape was largely inspired by functional weapons, they were strictly symbols of prestige and pageantry. Songye blacksmiths are widely respected as the greatest masters of the forge, and used both hot and cold forging techniques to embellish these blades (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Lefebvre & De Waele, Kilonda, 2011; Neyt, Songye, 2004).

This example represents a known variant, with a blade in copper, two curving projections, and a selectively-blackened blade. Some examples date back to the very early 1900s. This example is much later, likely made in the 1940s. 

18.125 in :: 46 cm

InventoryID #13-2715

Price on Request