Ceremonial Hatchet, Do
Yakoma / Ngbandi, D.R. Congo / Central African Republic
Forged iron, copper
Early 20th century

There is surprisingly scant information available about these small axes, other than that they were ceremonial dance implements from the early 20th century, most likely the 1910s and 1920s.

While the Musée du Quai Branly identifies their indigenous Yakoma name as Do , the famous Taiwan Exhibition curated by Jan Elsen identifies them as Ngbandi (Elsen, Fatal Beauty, 2009 & 2013; Hache cérémonielle, Musée du Quai Branly, inv. #71.1931.74.2862).

The patina and color on either side of the shaft is noticably different, suggesting that it spent a considerable amount of time lying on one side, or was always placed down in the same way.

Field collected by Armand Marcel Fontaine between 1920 and 1950, when he served as a colonial administrator.

Mounted on a custom display stand, pictured below. 

12.5 in :: 32 cm

InventoryID #13-576

SOLD