Ceremonial Axe
Tiv, Nigeria
Brass, steel pipe, iron
Early 20th century

A metamorphical link between effective leadership and influential speech is on display in the portrayal of the tongue as a blade on this type. The words of leaders are authoritative and wise and speech is a sharp tool (Joyce, Life Force at the Anvil, 1998).

The blade and middle section of the shaft of this ornamental axe are composed of iron, and the lost-wax-casted head and handle butt is composed of brass. According to Westerdijk, "only men of wealth and importance seem to have enjoyed the privilege of carrying these implements" (African Metal Implements, 1984).

Visonà, Poynor, and Cole state that these axes were used in Tiv healing rituals, and suggest that they were likely manufactured by the neighboring Abakwariga (Hausa) blacksmiths (A History of Art in Africa, 2008). 

Published: 100 African Blades, no. 67 (Rider, 2021). 

19 in :: 48 cm

InventoryID #13-1691

Price on Request