African (shona) axe?

katana · 9th May 2006, 09:56 PM

Just got this axe, ( my first one

) described as approx, a century old (1908), wire work is aluminium.
Was aluminium available in Africa at this time? I am assuming that it was, but would have been relatively scarce. (high status axe? Or did aluminium have a ‘mystical’ properties?).
The blade is narrow and suggests that it was not designed for utilitarian tasks, so would it be considered a war axe.?

Tim Simmons · 10th May 2006, 08:38 PM

Popular belief is that these are generally from Tanzania and very often dismissed as tourist items. I am not so sure that is the case with many that I have seen, but I do have one in the loft where all the bad things go.

katana · 10th May 2006, 08:46 PM

I haven't receive this yet. So its probably a 'tourist' piece

. ....never mind. It was 'cheap as chips (+ a saveloy)'

Thanks Tim.

Tim Simmons · 10th May 2006, 09:06 PM

I did say that I am not 100% convinced that these are all tourist things. That idea is often formed when collectors have no real comprehension of the material poverty that is the lot of many Africans. These are simple made things, made from what ever is to hand. They are traditionally chiefly regalia. It was obviously not made yesterday. So for saveloy and chips I think it is good. What do they put in saveloy anyway, they do not taste like I remember.

1908 is possible for the use of aluminium but it was very expensive untill the end of WW1. Usually it is an indication of being made from the 1920s.

katana · 10th May 2006, 10:45 PM

When I receive the axe and have it 'in hand' I may be able to deduce whether it is 'genuine' or a tourist piece.
As for savaloys I suspect we are all better off not knowing what ingredients are used, ........my dog won't even eat one

Rick · 10th May 2006, 11:10 PM

I know I was :

To Make Savaloys
Take 3 pounds of young pork free from bone and skin; salt it with an ounce of salt-petre, and a pound of common salt for two days; chop it fine; put in 3 teaspoonsful of pepper; a dozen sage leaves chopped fine, and a pound of grated bread; mix it well, fill the guts, and bake them half an hour in a slack oven: they are good either hot or cold.

Salt Petre !?!

You poor Blokes .........

9th May 2006, 09:56 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	African (shona) axe? Just got this axe, ( my first one ) described as approx, a century old (1908), wire work is aluminium. Was aluminium available in Africa at this time? I am assuming that it was, but would have been relatively scarce. (high status axe? Or did aluminium have a ‘mystical’ properties?). The blade is narrow and suggests that it was not designed for utilitarian tasks, so would it be considered a war axe.? Attached Images

10th May 2006, 09:06 PM	#4
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,790	I did say that I am not 100% convinced that these are all tourist things. That idea is often formed when collectors have no real comprehension of the material poverty that is the lot of many Africans. These are simple made things, made from what ever is to hand. They are traditionally chiefly regalia. It was obviously not made yesterday. So for saveloy and chips I think it is good. What do they put in saveloy anyway, they do not taste like I remember. 1908 is possible for the use of aluminium but it was very expensive untill the end of WW1. Usually it is an indication of being made from the 1920s. Last edited by Tim Simmons; 10th May 2006 at 09:17 PM.

10th May 2006, 11:10 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,288	In Case Anyone Was Curious I know I was : To Make Savaloys Take 3 pounds of young pork free from bone and skin; salt it with an ounce of salt-petre, and a pound of common salt for two days; chop it fine; put in 3 teaspoonsful of pepper; a dozen sage leaves chopped fine, and a pound of grated bread; mix it well, fill the guts, and bake them half an hour in a slack oven: they are good either hot or cold. Salt Petre !?! You poor Blokes .........

10th May 2006, 08:38 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,790	Popular belief is that these are generally from Tanzania and very often dismissed as tourist items. I am not so sure that is the case with many that I have seen, but I do have one in the loft where all the bad things go.

10th May 2006, 08:46 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	I haven't receive this yet. So its probably a 'tourist' piece . ....never mind. It was 'cheap as chips (+ a saveloy)' Thanks Tim.

10th May 2006, 10:45 PM	#5
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	When I receive the axe and have it 'in hand' I may be able to deduce whether it is 'genuine' or a tourist piece. As for savaloys I suspect we are all better off not knowing what ingredients are used, ........my dog won't even eat one