Songye axe heads
 

Does anyone know if there is any special significance to the heads cast or carved into the metal supports of the Songye axe heads?

The first four pictures are of my example and the others are from the archives of Oriental Arms.

According to the Pitt-Rivers website ... these axes were symbols of high status, carried by chiefs. The heads incorporated in the design represent those tribal groups which are subordinate to him. ??

I don't remember the meaning of these heads, but these Songye axes, looking very attractive, are made in great quantities, already around 1900, and thus many can be considered as early touristic objects (what doesn't mean they aren't of great quality and workmanship).
Those with copper handle are considered older than the examples with reptile skin.

Large axes exist with as many as 100 heads :-)

HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING VARIATIONS OF THE SONGYE AXES. THE WAR AXES HAD PLAIN STEEL BLADES SOMETIMES PIERCED WITH HOLES. THE ONES WITH COPPER OR BRASS BLADES OR FANCY INLAY OF OTHER METALS WERE FOR STATUS AND CEREMONY. AS FAR AS I KNOW THE ONES WITH LARGE BLADES WITH THE OPENWORK TWISTED METAL AND CARVED FACES WERE ALL FOR STATUS AND CEREMONY AND BLADES WERE MADE OF HEAVY IRON.
#1. 15. 75 INCHES X 11 INCHES. CONGO NSAPO HAS 8 FACES
#2. 17.75 INCHES, SONGYE AX 11 FACES
#3. 19TH. CENTURY SONGYE, CENTRAL CONGO
#4. 16 INCHES , TETALA AX, CONGO
#5., #6. & #7. VERY INTRICATE SONGYE NAZAPAZAP
#8. & #9. 33.5 CM. SONGYE AX COPPER BLADE.
#10 SONGYE AX WITH INLAYED BLADE
#11. & #12 SONGYE AX BRASS BLADE.

A FEW MORE EXAMPLES. #1. & #2. THE SAME SONGE AX
#3. THRU. #7 VARIOUS SONGE AXES.
#8. 17 inch x 6 in. FIGHTING AXE
9 THRU #12. VARIOUS SONGE AXES

FIVE MORE AND THAT'S ALL FOLKS :rolleyes: BUT PERHAPS I MISSED SOMETHING. :shrug: ENJOY