Ceremonial Axe Kilonda
Songye, D.R. Congo
Iron, wood, copper
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. Songye blacksmiths are widely respected as the greatest masters of the forge, and used both hot and cold forging techniques to embellish these blades. Indeed, the heads depicted on this blade were cast and then later incorporated onto the blade (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Lefebvre & De Waele, Kilonda, 2011; Neyt, Songye, 2004).

A related example can be seen in the Horniman Museum, here.

16 in :: 40.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1711

Price on Request