Beaded Axe

Tim Simmons · 4th October 2006, 09:23 AM

Massive beaded axe shown next to another with the same form of haft. I would imagine it is a parade axe but of serious construction. I am guessing this is from areas around present day Zambia. Perhaps our keen Belgian Central Africanists, now there is quite a few may have more to say. I would think early 20th century.

Tim Simmons · 4th October 2006, 08:09 PM

Now it is evening I have had time to clean it. There is an edge though my pics do not show this. I think it is possible it might be a big axe club for a big warrior, it is only comfortable for me in two hands. Strangely the beads do not seem to affect the grip if not helping.

Freddy · 4th October 2006, 09:11 PM

Hi Tim,

So you are the one who got away with that axe. I was watching it, too.

I didn't realize it was so big.

I think your axe is from Tansania, probably Zaramo or Luguru. These people have axes where the axe blade goes through the handle in the same way. I have never seen one decorated with beads, though.

Did you see the adze this lady sold earlier this week....to me ?

Tim Simmons · 4th October 2006, 09:15 PM

Thanks Freddy, no you must show this adze as it will be of great interest to me.

Freddy · 4th October 2006, 09:26 PM

I haven't got the item yet, but here is the link :

http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI...EOIBSA:BENL:11

In her description the lady only talks about the statue. I saw something it the back of this 'statue', so I asked her if, by any chance, this statue had a metal blade stuck in it....and it did. So my decision was quickly made : it was an african adze.

The seller mentions 'Mnweysi' in her description. I guess this could be 'Nyamwesi', a tribe living in Tansania.
If both our pieces come from the same collection, perhaps this could explain their origin.

I just can't wait to get my hands on it !

Tim Simmons · 4th October 2006, 09:33 PM

That is nice!!!! I too had no idea just how big this axe is. I think I got the best bit, but I would say that

please be sure to post some better pictures.

4th October 2006, 09:23 AM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Beaded Axe Massive beaded axe shown next to another with the same form of haft. I would imagine it is a parade axe but of serious construction. I am guessing this is from areas around present day Zambia. Perhaps our keen Belgian Central Africanists, now there is quite a few may have more to say. I would think early 20th century. Attached Images

4th October 2006, 08:09 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Now it is evening I have had time to clean it. There is an edge though my pics do not show this. I think it is possible it might be a big axe club for a big warrior, it is only comfortable for me in two hands. Strangely the beads do not seem to affect the grip if not helping.

4th October 2006, 09:11 PM	#3
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	Hi Tim, So you are the one who got away with that axe. I was watching it, too. I didn't realize it was so big. I think your axe is from Tansania, probably Zaramo or Luguru. These people have axes where the axe blade goes through the handle in the same way. I have never seen one decorated with beads, though. Did you see the adze this lady sold earlier this week....to me ?

4th October 2006, 09:15 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Thanks Freddy, no you must show this adze as it will be of great interest to me.

4th October 2006, 09:26 PM	#5
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I haven't got the item yet, but here is the link : http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI...EOIBSA:BENL:11 In her description the lady only talks about the statue. I saw something it the back of this 'statue', so I asked her if, by any chance, this statue had a metal blade stuck in it....and it did. So my decision was quickly made : it was an african adze. The seller mentions 'Mnweysi' in her description. I guess this could be 'Nyamwesi', a tribe living in Tansania. If both our pieces come from the same collection, perhaps this could explain their origin. I just can't wait to get my hands on it !

4th October 2006, 09:33 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	That is nice!!!! I too had no idea just how big this axe is. I think I got the best bit, but I would say that please be sure to post some better pictures.