Ceremonial Battle Axe, gano
Shona / Tsonga / Zulu, South Africa / Mozambique / Lesotho
Iron, wood, brass, copper
Early 20th century
Descendants of the people who lived in the city of Great Zimbabwe in the 14th century, the Shona-speaking people are known for their production of neckrests called Mutsago. Knives with ivory or wood or fancy wire wrap were the prized possessions of highly important men. The Tsonga-speaking people live in the center of Mozambique, and are the Shona's northern neighbors. Much of their art utilize light-colored wood with darkened details (Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998).
25.75 in :: 65.5 cm
InventoryID #13-2418
SOLD