Gold Coast Axe

[Andy Stevens]

A good old West african tribal axe/hatchet possibly from the Gold coast/Ghana region. Anthony Tirri's book 'Islamic and native weapons of colonial Africa' shows a very similar example, albeit with a small blade to the rear of the haft. Our's is a simple weapon, the blade is locally forged iron?,has a good patina and is decorated with incised lines- see pictures- and held very securely in place with a well aged nut. The hard wood haft has a rich dark red finish that has been worn away at the head to reveal a pinker area.

Blade size: approx 13cmx 13cm
Overall length: 52cm
Weight: 500g

The general condition is very good; the blade is very firmly attached however the tip of the upper edge of the blade has been broken off -a long while ago by the way the metal has aged over . We have made no attempt to clean this weapon, as we feel the finish on the metalwork is indicative of age and is intrinsic to the item. There are a few old worm holes to the haft that could easily be filled. A less common form of African axe.

£75.00 including shipping.