Antelope Axe
Mwera, Tanzania
Wood, iron
Early 20th century

Axes with antelope heads with raked back horns were reportedly produced in Tanzania during the end of the German occupation during the Maji Maji rebellion (1905-1907). As these blades were often disassembled and reassembled, the presence of the iron wedge to secure the blade is an expected and typical element. The Mwera inhabit the southern coast of Tanzania and their artwork shows a strong influence from the Makonde (Amyas Naegele, personal communication, 2022; Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998). 

20 in :: 51 cm

InventoryID #13-1916

Price on Request