African ceremonial axe......comments?

katana · 29th August 2006, 08:40 PM

Hi Tim, found this on the web....

Known as the "shark who made the ocean waters tremble," Gbehanzin was the son of one of Dahomey's most illustrious kings, Glele.4 Founded at the beginning of the seventeenth century, the kingdom of Dahomey rapidly expanded through military conquest until it reached its apogee in the nineteenth century. Gbehanzin's brief reign from 1889 to 1894 coincided with Dahomey's fall and conquest by French colonial forces.

Below is a statue of Gbenanzin stylised in his 'shark' form.

Also several more examples of recade... one of which has a chameleon in its design...

Tim Simmons · 29th August 2006, 09:15 PM

David and all.

Please excuse a loud blast from my trumpet but as they say, if you have it flaunt it. This is a Gubasa. I have shown it before

but not in any context as in this thread. It pertains to Gleles kingship and I believe is possibly rather rare. It is all tied up with the idea of divinity in the form of Gu.

katana · 29th August 2006, 09:52 PM

Hi Tim.......very nice

You might find this interesting...

Several distinctive elements are attributes specifically connected with Glele's destiny as sovereign. Chief among these are the swords (gubasa), the preeminent deadly weapon associated with the war god, Gu.10 One of Glele's Fa phrases alludes to them: "The audacious knife [gubasa] gave birth to Gu and vengeance continues." Glele interpreted this as a mandate to sustain Dahomey's martial invincibility. In fulfilling his commitment to uphold Dahomey's independent and autonomous status, he adopted the imagery of the sword as a principal motif linking his legacy with that of his father, Guezo.

Below is a small statue of Glebe. In his hands, he holds two swords, with broad, curved blades, pierced by round and triangular holes.

29th August 2006, 08:40 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Tim, found this on the web.... Known as the "shark who made the ocean waters tremble," Gbehanzin was the son of one of Dahomey's most illustrious kings, Glele.4 Founded at the beginning of the seventeenth century, the kingdom of Dahomey rapidly expanded through military conquest until it reached its apogee in the nineteenth century. Gbehanzin's brief reign from 1889 to 1894 coincided with Dahomey's fall and conquest by French colonial forces. Below is a statue of Gbenanzin stylised in his 'shark' form. Also several more examples of recade... one of which has a chameleon in its design... Attached Images

29th August 2006, 09:15 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,895	David and all. Please excuse a loud blast from my trumpet but as they say, if you have it flaunt it. This is a Gubasa. I have shown it before but not in any context as in this thread. It pertains to Gleles kingship and I believe is possibly rather rare. It is all tied up with the idea of divinity in the form of Gu. Last edited by Tim Simmons; 29th August 2006 at 09:30 PM.

29th August 2006, 09:52 PM	#3
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Tim.......very nice You might find this interesting... Several distinctive elements are attributes specifically connected with Glele's destiny as sovereign. Chief among these are the swords (gubasa), the preeminent deadly weapon associated with the war god, Gu.10 One of Glele's Fa phrases alludes to them: "The audacious knife [gubasa] gave birth to Gu and vengeance continues." Glele interpreted this as a mandate to sustain Dahomey's martial invincibility. In fulfilling his commitment to uphold Dahomey's independent and autonomous status, he adopted the imagery of the sword as a principal motif linking his legacy with that of his father, Guezo. Below is a small statue of Glebe. In his hands, he holds two swords, with broad, curved blades, pierced by round and triangular holes. Attached Images