Description:

Democratic Republic of Congo, Songye Culture, 20th century CE. This is a beautiful axe with a distinctive, interesting design. It has a wood handle wrapped in hammered copper that is joined to an elongated curved iron blade with open supports and a raised central ridge. Swirling metal highlights the faces etched into the center of either side of the axe; these faces are human but stylized. The Songye people live in the central eastern part of the modern-day Democratic Republic of Congo, in the region known as the African Great Lakes. Their metalwork, traditionally done by Songye men, was held in high prestige and traded extensively with their neighbors throughout the 20th century. An axe like this was likely never used as a weapon, but would have been ceremonial. Size: 15" L x 10" H; with custom stand, 11-3/4" H (38 cm x 25.4 cm; 29.8 cm).

Provenance: Ex-private New York Collection, ex-Zemanek Munster auction

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#110771

  • Condition: Some patina and wear; the iron of the blade has some rust. However, the artwork is clear and the blade remains sharp.

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April 20, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$300 $999 $50
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$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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