Description:

Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Luba or Hemba peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An attractive prestige axe with a forged-iron blade fitted into a thin slit atop a carved wooden handle that is rubbed with deep red pigment. The axe head has a crescent-shaped blade edge, raised peripheral borders, and a thick tang. The caramel-hued wooden handle has a slender grip, a bulbous head with several stamped circles on either side, and an abstract human head pommel. Prestige axes like this example are an instantly recognizable symbol of authority and power, and wielding one was more akin to holding a scepter than a weapon. Size: 7.5" W x 16.5" H (19 cm x 41.9 cm)

Provenance: private Howard Rose Gallery, New York, New York, USA; ex-private Massachusetts, USA collection

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#149981

  • Condition: Nicks and bending to blade edge with one stable fissure to blade body, with fissures and abrasions to wooden handle, and one small area of loss near head pommel. Light earthen deposits throughout, and great patina to blade.

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November 14, 2019 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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