Kilonda Axe with Janus Kifwebe masks Songye DR Congo

Kilonda Prestige Axe with Janus Kifwebe Masks
Songye, D.R. Congo
Wood, iron, brass
Handle: Early 20th century

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.

This piece has two iconic kifwebe masks carved into the handle - one male and one female. The carving style and iconography of the kifwebe masks is sincere and correct, and the handle exhibits appropriate signs of age.

The blade, however, is problematic: the tang does not extend through the handle, there is adhesive applied where the blade meets the handle, and the copper alloy rivet is a fragment. Rather than remove the blade (which is clearly very old), I decided to retain it because there is a chance it is original and simply damaged or repaired.

Congolese axes and adzes with missing blades have proven to retain their desirability as works of sculpture, and two particularly valuable examples are published below:

A Bena Lulua adze handle that sold at Bonham's London on 2 Dec. 1991 for €21,942