Ceremonial / Status Axe
Chokwe / Lunda, Angola / D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, brass
Early 20th century

Axes of this type were sought-after objects of exchange and trade. This piece is special because the head of the axe is clearly modeled after a woman's coiffure. The photo below is from Loos / Skira, Zagourski: Lost Africa (2001), entitled "Belgian Congo, Eastern Provinces, Mangbetu Hairdressing."

17.5 in :: 44.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2600

SOLD