Mystery tribal item

[colin henshaw]

The iron blade looks like its from a West African axe, removed and fitted with a different wooden handle to make a tool, perhaps a gouge in woodworking, or similar ?

[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.

[colin henshaw]

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.

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.