African bronze axe - Kuba?

Gonzoadler · 19th February 2021, 11:23 AM

Hello,

I received a convolute of some African edged weapons and this axe was one of them. The axe head seems to be made of bronze, the applications are made of brass and copper.
Total length: 46.5cm; length of the axe head: 17cm
Is it maybe a Kuba axe? Or was it made in another region? Which tribe could made it?
Also the age would be interesting for me. The axe seems to have some age, but personally I wouldn't say that is an antique piece.

But I know here are some members with a good knowledge about african weapons who can estimate that.
I would be grateful for every comment.

Regards
Robin

Gonzoadler · 19th February 2021, 11:24 AM

more pictures:

Tim Simmons · 21st February 2021, 02:47 PM

There is an example of these dance axes in {Rare African Short Weapons. Manfred A . Zirngibl} said be be Malinke western Sudan. In this case I think that means a vast area westward of what we think of as South Sudan. Malinke
be a language used by people to the western seaboard of sub Saharan Africa.

Luc LEFEBVRE · 21st February 2021, 05:48 PM

This kind of axe is often attributed to the Toma people from Sierra Leone, branch of the Mandingo people.
More here Toma

Gonzoadler · 21st February 2021, 08:26 PM

Many thanks for comments.

I have'nt found a similar piece, are these Toma axes rare?
And how old would you estimate my piece, Luc LEFEBVRE?

Regards

Luc LEFEBVRE · 21st February 2021, 09:56 PM

These are not really rare, many were made, also for the touristic market. Yours looks like something from mid XXth.

Gonzoadler · 21st February 2021, 10:58 PM

Thank you very much!
Yes, it is likely that my axe is for decoration/touristic purposes, too.

19th February 2021, 11:23 AM	#1
Gonzoadler Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Germany Posts: 244	African bronze axe - Kuba? Hello, I received a convolute of some African edged weapons and this axe was one of them. The axe head seems to be made of bronze, the applications are made of brass and copper. Total length: 46.5cm; length of the axe head: 17cm Is it maybe a Kuba axe? Or was it made in another region? Which tribe could made it? Also the age would be interesting for me. The axe seems to have some age, but personally I wouldn't say that is an antique piece. But I know here are some members with a good knowledge about african weapons who can estimate that. I would be grateful for every comment. Regards Robin Attached Images

19th February 2021, 11:24 AM	#2
Gonzoadler Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Germany Posts: 244	more pictures: Attached Images

21st February 2021, 05:48 PM	#4
Luc LEFEBVRE Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: France Posts: 472	This kind of axe is often attributed to the Toma people from Sierra Leone, branch of the Mandingo people. More here Toma Attached Images

21st February 2021, 02:47 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	There is an example of these dance axes in {Rare African Short Weapons. Manfred A . Zirngibl} said be be Malinke western Sudan. In this case I think that means a vast area westward of what we think of as South Sudan. Malinke be a language used by people to the western seaboard of sub Saharan Africa.

21st February 2021, 08:26 PM	#5
Gonzoadler Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Germany Posts: 244	Many thanks for comments. I have'nt found a similar piece, are these Toma axes rare? And how old would you estimate my piece, Luc LEFEBVRE? Regards

21st February 2021, 09:56 PM	#6
Luc LEFEBVRE Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: France Posts: 472	These are not really rare, many were made, also for the touristic market. Yours looks like something from mid XXth.

21st February 2021, 10:58 PM	#7
Gonzoadler Member Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Germany Posts: 244	Thank you very much! Yes, it is likely that my axe is for decoration/touristic purposes, too.