Islamic Axe for I D and Comment

[Dom]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

This is plausibly the axe of a merchant of either Zanzibar or East Africa and likely an individual of status and clearly Muslim. The accoutrements of the Omani merchants were it would seem often well decorated and fashionable and this would have been a most attractively worn item.

Hi Stu
I just discovered that hypothesis,
that reaches completely what I suspected
I think that should be a good track
all the best

à +

Dom

[Atlantia]

Well Stu,
you had faith in this from the start.
My twin theories of Ottoman coin or copy of, and North Afrcian axe bite the dust!

LOL, well done mate. A good addition to the Arabian museum

Best Humble pie,
Gene

[Lew]

I would think this is from one of the tribes from the Congo definitely not Omani. The coin seems to be an old add on most Congolese axes did not come with pinned down heads. I will check my books and get back to you.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Lew

I would think this is from one of the tribes from the Congo definitely not Omani. The coin seems to be an old add on most Congolese axes did not come with pinned down heads. I will check my books and get back to you.

Do the Congo tribes often add the decorative chain ? I thought of the Omani's because of thier trading activity in East Africa, as well as the Banti type 'slavers' axes. The chain recalls those type chains on Hadhramauti sa'ifs, a feature likely often seen in the Arab trade routes to East Africa. This style axe in variation seems to be diffused through the Central African regions into the Sahel as far as I can see, but the decorative activity here seems Omani/East African to me.

[kahnjar1]

There are two similar axes on a certain auction site, both described as Tanzanian. Tanzania is the modern name for the two countries Tanganyika and Zanzibar. I am picking Zanzibar as it has for many centuries been on the Arab trade routes.
So why not Oman, or at least a trader from there?
I did check with Gav and his comment was "african" but did not know exactly where.
Keep it going Gents. It's getting interesting.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

There are two similar axes on a certain auction site, both described as Tanzanian. Tanzania is the modern name for the two countries Tanganyika and Zanzibar. I am picking Zanzibar as it has for many centuries been on the Arab trade routes.
So why not Oman, or at least a trader from there?
I did check with Gav and his comment was "african" but did not know exactly where.
Keep it going Gents. It's getting interesting.

Hi Guys,

With out exact axe references and replying on well documented artistic imagery alone, the axe you are referring that I have, has to my eye, many traits seen in artwork/carvings from the Kpeligue, Senufo, Ivory coast.
The timber is also of a similar nature.
I'll get together references and a description this weekend family sickness permitting.
These regions were well known for Eastern and Western slave trading.

Stu, perhaps a relic for the Arabian slave trading across the Sahara/sub Sahara to these regions on the Ivory Coast.

Gav

[kahnjar1]

Thanks Gav for further ideas. I agree that to positively identify this (and probably other "african" axes) will be quite a task, but I guess that somwhere out there lies the answer. The Arabic cartouche does not appear to be a later addition, as the patina of all the metal/wire work appears to be the same. Also the pin holding the cartouche in place is the same which secures the blade to the haft. So from that we must assume some sort of Arabian connection, even if the style axe itself is not Arabian.
IF Tanganyika/Zanzibar can be proven, then my pick would be Zanzibar due to it's long association with Arabia on the old Dhow trade routes.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Well Stu,
you had faith in this from the start.
My twin theories of Ottoman coin or copy of, and North Afrcian axe bite the dust!

LOL, well done mate. A good addition to the Arabian museum

Best Humble pie,
Gene

............I think the jury is still out..............and no humble pie required. Discussion and opinions are how we come to a result.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

............I think the jury is still out..............and no humble pie required. Discussion and opinions are how we come to a result.

Here here.....lots of pondering is still required.

Gav

[Freddy]

Here is a link about similar axes that were discussed on this forum :

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3277

I'm sure your axe is Tanzanian. The owner must have been 'islamized'. Nice axe, by the way.

[Freddy]

and here is a picture of a man with a double-bladed axe.

In the book 'De fer et de fierté' (African weapons from the Barbier-Mueller museum) the same picture is shown.
The author says the following ; "A Zaramo man with a double-bladed axe"

In the text, accompanying the picture, is also mentioned that such axes are found over a vast area, from Lake Tanganyika upto the coast of the Indian Ocean. These axes are the insignia of old men (titleholders).
The axes with fewer decoration were used for war.

[Jim McDougall]

The point on Tanzania is well placed, as Tanganyika and Zanzibar were the coupled countries that formed it. In "Battle Axes" (James D. Gamble, 1981, p.67) there is an axe of remarkably similar form, with the head projected through the haft and the spiked type poll protruding upward at the rear. The blade has primarily the same profile and this axe is identified as Basuto, from Tanzania.
Again, Bantu axes show similar features and are hafted in the same way, and while they are considered Central African these influences carried south to Zulu regions as well.

The trade denominator is key with viewing this axe, and many aspects of the history of these East African regions, especially Zanzibar. The lingua francia Swahili, is as I understand an amalgam linguistically of Arabian and Bantu. The Omani Sultanate of Zanzibar naturally sent its influences with the trade caravans into the African interior, and certainly received influences quid pro quo as traders returned. With these merchants, appearance and status was of course as essential as it is in todays corporate world, and affluence was represented in not only the traditional weapons such as the kattara sword, but certainly in these axes which reflect those they came in contact with in the interior.
The Omanis certainly were familiar with hafted axes such as the jerz (actually a tiny head on a walking stick type haft) and others on shorter haft, but adopting styles known in thier African interior environment certainly would carry impetus.
It is good to note that the wire wrap around the haft is a well known affectation seen on of course Persian and Arab sword hilts, as well as, again, the decorative chain . The copper wire is described in Elgood {"Arms and Armour of Arabia") as indicative of wealth. The use of brass studs or rivets is also noted, and seen on a number or weapon hilts.

Add these rather compelling factors to the obvious use of a decorative Islamic disc, and though possibly connected to Algeria, such items from the Maghreb naturally travelled the routes toward Arabia with Pilgrims going to Mecca.

In my opinion, an Omani merchants axe worn as an accoutrement element of status and fashioned after the axes of similar form from either the Tanzanian interior regions as noted, as well as perhaps from the forms used by Bantu slavers. The diffusion of these axe types obviously had no geographic or particular tribal boundaries so clearly could have moved westward as well. The slave trade moved westward and into the Sahara into West Africa, as well as eastward toward the routes to Tanzania and Zanzibar.

the Phantom

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

............I think the jury is still out..............and no humble pie required. Discussion and opinions are how we come to a result.

I'll keep it warm for later then.

But seriously. I completely agree. The search for facts is what's important. Being proven wrong by the uncovering of the truth is still a victory of knowledge over ignorance, and that's what matters
In short I'm happy to be proven wrong if I learn something.

My small addition to this particular quest is that the 'medalion' with it's laurel wreath border and islamic script is something that is reminiscent of Ottoman coins. Including far flung ones from places like Egypt and Tunisia.
These coin designs sometimes survive in odd ways long after they have become an anacronism.
Look at tokens, gaming counters and the like made in European nations?

This experience with axes recently has shown me that I need to expand my knowledge in that area.
In fact axes, spears, shaft weapons in general. Too many subtle differences I was unaware of!

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

I'll keep it warm for later then.

But seriously. I completely agree. The search for facts is what's important. Being proven wrong by the uncovering of the truth is still a victory of knowledge over ignorance, and that's what matters
In short I'm happy to be proven wrong if I learn something.

My small addition to this particular quest is that the 'medalion' with it's laurel wreath border and islamic script is something that is reminiscent of Ottoman coins. Including far flung ones from places like Egypt and Tunisia.
These coin designs sometimes survive in odd ways long after they have become an anacronism.
Look at tokens, gaming counters and the like made in European nations?

This experience with axes recently has shown me that I need to expand my knowledge in that area.
In fact axes, spears, shaft weapons in general. Too many subtle differences I was unaware of!

Gene,
I completely agree with Gav, and the whole purpose of these forums, at least as far as I understand, is to learn together by discussing. While friendly congratulations and admiration of a newly acquired weapon is pleasant and pleasing, I always look forward to those who make helpful comments and observations, especially if detailed thoughts and ideas are expressed.

Quite frankly I had not given much attention to African axes, and this one has provided great learning opportunity. Your observation on this disc or medallion or whatever it is ,perfectly well placed, and the great thing is that you always participate and are willing to learn as well, like me I look forward to other ideas, opinions and especially corrected material.

It will be interesting to see what the experts come up with on this axe, and we will all learn together as always

Keep on truckin' Gene!!!
All the best,
Jim

[kahnjar1]

Thank you Gentlemen for your comments and information so far.
I would now like to make some assumptions and would like some feedback on what you think.
1.We now seem to agree that this axe is from what is now modern day Tanzania, which of course was the name given to the combined countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
2. It is assumed that the language spoken in Tanganyika was some sort of african dialect.
3. Zanzibar was under the control of the Sultanate of Oman from 1698 until 1890 when the British interfered.
4. It is assumed that the language spoken in Zanzibar at that time would largely have been Arabic.
5.This axe has a cartouche in Arabic, so we assume that it "lived" in Zanzibar.
6. Assuming that the date 1307 (1889ad) on the cartouche is accurate, then this axe existed in Zanzibar under Omani rule, as the British did not take power until 1890.
If the above IS correct then this axe, although of african origin in design, is actually of Arabian (Omani) heritage.

[Tim Simmons]

It could just happen to be decorated with a found object. This form of axe is found over a vast area of Africa. There was an Arab outpost deep in East Africa, visited by Hanning and Burton in there search for the source of the Nile. I will add the name of it latter.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Thank you Gentlemen for your comments and information so far.
I would now like to make some assumptions and would like some feedback on what you think.
1.We now seem to agree that this axe is from what is now modern day Tanzania, which of course was the name given to the combined countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
2. It is assumed that the language spoken in Tanganyika was some sort of african dialect.
3. Zanzibar was under the control of the Sultanate of Oman from 1698 until 1890 when the British interfered.
4. It is assumed that the language spoken in Zanzibar at that time would largely have been Arabic.
5.This axe has a cartouche in Arabic, so we assume that it "lived" in Zanzibar.
6. Assuming that the date 1307 (1889ad) on the cartouche is accurate, then this axe existed in Zanzibar under Omani rule, as the British did not take power until 1890.
If the above IS correct then this axe, although of african origin in design, is actually of Arabian (Omani) heritage.

Stu,

Great that direction has been found but Zanzibar to my mind would not be correct for this axe, I would say mainland Africa as there was just as much influence on the ground there.
I'd be interested in thoughts from others with regards to your assumptons.

Gav

[Dom]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Thank you Gentlemen for your comments and information so far.
I would now like to make some assumptions and would like some feedback on what you think.
1.We now seem to agree that this axe is from what is now modern day Tanzania, which of course was the name given to the combined countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
2. It is assumed that the language spoken in Tanganyika was some sort of african dialect.
3. Zanzibar was under the control of the Sultanate of Oman from 1698 until 1890 when the British interfered.
4. It is assumed that the language spoken in Zanzibar at that time would largely have been Arabic.
5.This axe has a cartouche in Arabic, so we assume that it "lived" in Zanzibar.
6. Assuming that the date 1307 (1889ad) on the cartouche is accurate, then this axe existed in Zanzibar under Omani rule, as the British did not take power until 1890.
If the above IS correct then this axe, although of african origin in design, is actually of Arabian (Omani) heritage.

no objection at my point of view,
this demonstration makes sense

à +

Dom

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Thank you Gentlemen for your comments and information so far.
I would now like to make some assumptions and would like some feedback on what you think.
1.We now seem to agree that this axe is from what is now modern day Tanzania, which of course was the name given to the combined countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
2. It is assumed that the language spoken in Tanganyika was some sort of african dialect.
3. Zanzibar was under the control of the Sultanate of Oman from 1698 until 1890 when the British interfered.
4. It is assumed that the language spoken in Zanzibar at that time would largely have been Arabic.
5.This axe has a cartouche in Arabic, so we assume that it "lived" in Zanzibar.
6. Assuming that the date 1307 (1889ad) on the cartouche is accurate, then this axe existed in Zanzibar under Omani rule, as the British did not take power until 1890.
If the above IS correct then this axe, although of african origin in design, is actually of Arabian (Omani) heritage.

It was never my intention to say that this axe ORIGINATED in Zanzibar but that at some stage it "lived" there. As we are well aware from other threads, the existance of BORDERS as we know them, meant nothing to the tribes who inhabited the land, and it was not until the colonial powers started taking their "empires", that actual borders came into existance as we know them today. For the sake of agreement can we say that the axe comes from East Africa, and at some stage in its life has had some definate contact with the Arab world?