Ceremonial Axe
Kabiye, Togo
Iron, wood, cotton
Early 20th century

This obscure axe type was illustrated in African Axes and attributed to the Kabre (Kabiye) (Widstrand, 1958, no. 42). Two axes with the same shaft and head but significantly divergent blades were described as such:

In ceremonial garb used at initiations among the Kabre, an implement similar to a hoe is used together with helmets and axes… The shaft is either club-shaped or oblong (transverse) and sometimes has a hole at its lower end for fitting a hand-loop… A type with a similar transverse oblong head and long, small blade comes from “Schawade (Bez. Sokode)”, Caudjo, and “Ob. Benué.” The latter is reported to be a “Waffe der Heiden in den Bergen” (weapon of the heathens in the mountains)… The few examples make it impossible to discuss whether this is a type retained by some minor tribes and has a similar origin, despite the great distance separating these examples. …the transverse oval head is a type more or less confined to the Volta region…”
 

A related example, collected in the 1890s, is in the collection of the British Museum, viewable here. 

Mounted on a custom display stand (not pictured)

17.25 in :: 44 cm

InventoryID #13-1555

Price on Request