Colin, 
 
Thanks for the thoughts.  I can see how the spade like tip reminds one of West African axes.  I think one key difference which isn't really illustrated here is that the iron shaft is thick and four sided.  I don't recall that feature on African axes.  I think it was made as a tool and traded and mounted up to the local taste.  Does the decoration on the handle look West African?  I think the decoration on the blade can be found just about anywhere in the world.
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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