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.

Freddy · 4th October 2006, 09:38 PM

I will do so, as soon as it get's to Belgium.

katana · 5th October 2006, 10:17 PM

Hi Tim and Freddy,
from personal taste I dislike beaded weapons, it gives them that 'touristy' look (IMHO). The colours and patterns seem to attract 'impulse buyers' from the ranks of those that travel.
However, it is not unknown for older weapons to be 'jazzed up' by beading to make them more saleable.....then its definately worth 'de-beading'
I do like your axe.

........its the beading.

...afterall beauty is in the eye of the beholder..
Freddy your adze looks interesting.......the angle of the blade looks to 'shallow' to function properly.....I'm wondering whether the adze blade has been bent downwards at some time

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

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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.

4th October 2006, 09:38 PM	#7
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I will do so, as soon as it get's to Belgium.

5th October 2006, 10:17 PM	#8
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Hi Tim and Freddy, from personal taste I dislike beaded weapons, it gives them that 'touristy' look (IMHO). The colours and patterns seem to attract 'impulse buyers' from the ranks of those that travel. However, it is not unknown for older weapons to be 'jazzed up' by beading to make them more saleable.....then its definately worth 'de-beading' I do like your axe. ........its the beading. ...afterall beauty is in the eye of the beholder.. Freddy your adze looks interesting.......the angle of the blade looks to 'shallow' to function properly.....I'm wondering whether the adze blade has been bent downwards at some time