Zulu Axe

The Double D · 22nd August 2006, 05:50 PM

Well it finally arrived. Wow, this thing is big. It definitley is not a functional axe.

Here it is with my iKlwe.

The tiles on the floor are 13 inch/33 cm. The overall length is 43 1/2 inch/ 110 cm.

The blade is 13 inch/33 cm from tip to tip. The nose of the blade is 5 7/8 inch/15 cm from the haft.

The blade is attached through a hole in the haft and secured with metal wedges.

It appears to have been hand forged with crude tools.

Since I am in no position to dispute Chief Buthelezi's use of this axe, I am going to call it a Zulu Chieftains axe. Ethnographic, but definitely not antique, from late 20th Century.

And the best endorsement, my wife thinks it's neat.

Freddy · 22nd August 2006, 07:12 PM

I found a description of a Zulu axe in the book 'The Anatomy of the Zulu Army from Shaka to Cetshwayo 1818-1879' by Ian Knight (1995)

Here is what the author writes :

"Lastly, the Zulus also knew of the battle-axe, although it was usually only carried by men of status, and as a ceremonial weapon rather than for fighting. Lacking the technology to pierce metal or work it into a tube, most southern African groups employed an axe blade which fitted into a wooden handle, rather than the other way round. Among the Shona people of Zimbabwe and the Sotho groups of the interior, axes with half-moon blades were common; the curved edge was the cutting edge, whilst a tang emerged from the straight back and pierced the handle horizontally, a few inches below the top. There is some evidence that such axes were traded into Zululand, although the true Zulu axe - known as 'ISIZENZE' - seems to have been a heavier weapon, with a steeply angled blade, the top edge projecting noticeably above the handle. When employed in battle, it was wielded with a chopping movement, and the lower portion could be used to hook the edge of an enemy's shield, and pull it aside."

Unfortunately, there are no pictures in this book of such an axe.

Here is my axe. I bought it as a Swazi axe. Total length is 91,5 cm. The axe blade measures 41 cm from top to bottom, with a cutting edge of 56 cm. The stem of the axe blade has been twisted and is inserted in the shaft in the usual fashion. In addition, three strips of woven copper wire (?) embellish the handle.

katana · 22nd August 2006, 07:43 PM

Comparing the three axes posted......Tim's appears the most likely used as a weapon. The haft thickens at the axe head end, adding weight and providing a thicker fixing point for the head. The protruded 'blade' beyond the haft suggests it could be used as a stabbing impliment as well as the 'shield hooking' function mentioned on Freddy's post.

They are all nice examples....however, IMHO Tim's is the one I like the most....purely because it is more functional than ceremonial...

Freddy · 22nd August 2006, 07:51 PM

I agree with you. Tim's axe is the most functional piece.

The shaft of my axe is made of some kind of light wood. And also the decoration points more in the direction of a ceremonial piece, just like the one on the picture of the dance Chief Butheleze.

The Double D · 23rd August 2006, 07:20 PM

I agree that Tim's is most likely a weapon, where the other are most likely ceremonial. What they all share is basic blade shape, but not much else--chevron and shaft. Hafting is different.

Freddy could I impose upon you to scan in Knights biblography in a PM to me. I have learned since living here in South Africa that Knight is a writer and he has a circle of researchers and experts that he consults with. I found one gentlemen I have been shooting with is in that circle. Perhaps I will know someone on his list and can talk with them about this axe.

Chief Buthelezi is no dance chief. He is a direct descendant of Cetshwayo and is the chief of the 20,000 strong Buthelezi clan in the Zulu tribe and could be considered the first person in rank under King Zwelethini in the monarchy. His carrying of this type axe would seem significant. The picture posted was taken at the offical state ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the battle Isandlwana. It was also taken during a period of aparthied when the display of cultural weapons was an issue. I think this axe is something more than a cultural prop even though I don't think it is a true weapon. Just my WAG.

Freddy · 23rd August 2006, 08:51 PM

I will send you a scan of the bibliography of Ian Knight's book this weekend when I have more time.

Freddy

FourBlades · 24th August 2006, 03:34 AM

Double D,

That is a beautiful piece for sure. The way that the head is attached
to the shaft does not look like it would hold up under repeated blows in
use. It looks like the head of the axe would be pushed through the shaft.
It seems like more practical battle axes are attached using a ring surrounding
the shaft. But then I am no expert...

John

22nd August 2006, 05:50 PM	#1
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	Well it finally arrived. Wow, this thing is big. It definitley is not a functional axe. Here it is with my iKlwe. The tiles on the floor are 13 inch/33 cm. The overall length is 43 1/2 inch/ 110 cm. The blade is 13 inch/33 cm from tip to tip. The nose of the blade is 5 7/8 inch/15 cm from the haft. The blade is attached through a hole in the haft and secured with metal wedges. It appears to have been hand forged with crude tools. Since I am in no position to dispute Chief Buthelezi's use of this axe, I am going to call it a Zulu Chieftains axe. Ethnographic, but definitely not antique, from late 20th Century. And the best endorsement, my wife thinks it's neat.

22nd August 2006, 07:12 PM	#2
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I found a description of a Zulu axe in the book 'The Anatomy of the Zulu Army from Shaka to Cetshwayo 1818-1879' by Ian Knight (1995) Here is what the author writes : "Lastly, the Zulus also knew of the battle-axe, although it was usually only carried by men of status, and as a ceremonial weapon rather than for fighting. Lacking the technology to pierce metal or work it into a tube, most southern African groups employed an axe blade which fitted into a wooden handle, rather than the other way round. Among the Shona people of Zimbabwe and the Sotho groups of the interior, axes with half-moon blades were common; the curved edge was the cutting edge, whilst a tang emerged from the straight back and pierced the handle horizontally, a few inches below the top. There is some evidence that such axes were traded into Zululand, although the true Zulu axe - known as 'ISIZENZE' - seems to have been a heavier weapon, with a steeply angled blade, the top edge projecting noticeably above the handle. When employed in battle, it was wielded with a chopping movement, and the lower portion could be used to hook the edge of an enemy's shield, and pull it aside." Unfortunately, there are no pictures in this book of such an axe. Here is my axe. I bought it as a Swazi axe. Total length is 91,5 cm. The axe blade measures 41 cm from top to bottom, with a cutting edge of 56 cm. The stem of the axe blade has been twisted and is inserted in the shaft in the usual fashion. In addition, three strips of woven copper wire (?) embellish the handle.

22nd August 2006, 07:43 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Comparing the three axes posted......Tim's appears the most likely used as a weapon. The haft thickens at the axe head end, adding weight and providing a thicker fixing point for the head. The protruded 'blade' beyond the haft suggests it could be used as a stabbing impliment as well as the 'shield hooking' function mentioned on Freddy's post. They are all nice examples....however, IMHO Tim's is the one I like the most....purely because it is more functional than ceremonial...

22nd August 2006, 07:51 PM	#4
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I agree with you. Tim's axe is the most functional piece. The shaft of my axe is made of some kind of light wood. And also the decoration points more in the direction of a ceremonial piece, just like the one on the picture of the dance Chief Butheleze.

23rd August 2006, 07:20 PM	#5
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	I agree that Tim's is most likely a weapon, where the other are most likely ceremonial. What they all share is basic blade shape, but not much else--chevron and shaft. Hafting is different. Freddy could I impose upon you to scan in Knights biblography in a PM to me. I have learned since living here in South Africa that Knight is a writer and he has a circle of researchers and experts that he consults with. I found one gentlemen I have been shooting with is in that circle. Perhaps I will know someone on his list and can talk with them about this axe. Chief Buthelezi is no dance chief. He is a direct descendant of Cetshwayo and is the chief of the 20,000 strong Buthelezi clan in the Zulu tribe and could be considered the first person in rank under King Zwelethini in the monarchy. His carrying of this type axe would seem significant. The picture posted was taken at the offical state ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the battle Isandlwana. It was also taken during a period of aparthied when the display of cultural weapons was an issue. I think this axe is something more than a cultural prop even though I don't think it is a true weapon. Just my WAG.

23rd August 2006, 08:51 PM	#6
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I will send you a scan of the bibliography of Ian Knight's book this weekend when I have more time. Freddy

24th August 2006, 03:34 AM	#7
FourBlades Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 13	Double D, That is a beautiful piece for sure. The way that the head is attached to the shaft does not look like it would hold up under repeated blows in use. It looks like the head of the axe would be pushed through the shaft. It seems like more practical battle axes are attached using a ring surrounding the shaft. But then I am no expert... John