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...

29th August 2006, 08:40 PM	#14
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