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Originally Posted by RSWORD
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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Hi RSWORD
To try to address your points :-
a) Most African axe shafts are roundish in section, but I have seen some rectangular, I think.
b) The incised decoration to the iron shaft on your piece is typically African.
c) The decoration to the wooden handle is unusual, I havn't seen that fan-shaped design before on African work.
d) The lead inlay to the wood is sometimes used on West African work. Here are a couple of images from old forum threads.
Not conclusive I suppose, but thats my best guess.