Re-Carved Axe Handle, Kibiki / Kasolwa
Luba, D.R. Congo
Wood, iron, remnants of leather
20th century

This piece was sold at the San Francisco Tribal and Textile Arts show in 2017 for $3,500. On the invoice, there is a guarantee of authenticity, and assertions that this object is a pestle from the 19th century. 

First, this is a fragment from a Luba axe, not a fragment from a pestle. Luba axes have thinner handles, while the shafts of pestles are shorter and have more girth. 

Second, there is an important disparity between the smoothness of the face (and absence of features such as a nose), and the crispness of the lines that articulate the eyes and mouth. There is no set of circumstances that would wear down or smooth the face so extremely, yet also allow for sharp lines that outline the eyes and mouth. Importantly, there are lines carved in the coiffure that appear to be worn down significantly, yet the lines carved in the eyes and mouth are not worn down to the same degree. Simply put, the lines carved into the coiffure and the face could not have been executed at the same time. The details carved into the eyes and mouth are later additions. 

There is a lot of sincerity in the coiffure, and this is likely an authentic axe handle that has been manipulated to simulate greater age and / or to be more desirable to buyers. 

13.5 in :: 34 cm

InventoryID #13-2920

Not For Sale