Ceremonial Axe, Kpa’ana
Senufo, Ivory Coast
Copper alloy, iron
19th century
This rare, non-functional axe dates from the 19th century and was cast in brass over an iron core. Known as kpa’ana, it was the prerogative of certain chiefs and elders (Elsen, De Fer et De fierté, 2003). Blandin asserts these were also part of the equipment used by diviners (Afrique de l'Ouest: Bronzes et Autres Alliages, 1988).
Scattered across the Ivory Coast, Mali, and Burkina Faso, the 1.5 million Senufo people live principally from agriculture and hunting. They inhabit villages governed by a council of elders, who in turn are led by a an elected chief. Cultural cohesion is reinforced through rituals of the Poro society which initiates and educates men from the age of seven onwards. Senufo theology is based on Koulotiolo, a powerful god, and Katieleo, a goddess mother who regenerated the world (Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998).
17.25 in :: 44 cm
InventoryID #13-2055
Price on Request
