In the Ottoman empire axes such as these could be more than just parade items, they are often show being carried by important officials as a sign of their office.
Footmen of the Grand Vizier "Chaters 12 som gå för Viziren när han kommer uthi Divan" "12 footmen who go before the Vizier when he goes to the Divan" Satir. The 'Rålamb Costume Book' is a small volume containing 121 miniatures in Indian ink with gouache and some gilding, displaying Turkish officials, occupations and folk types. They were acquired in Constantinople in 1657-58 by Claes Rålamb who led a Swedish embassy to the Sublime Porte.
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