An elaborately decorated hatchet (hand axe) most likely intended as a mark of status or for monetary use, rather than combat, and with features characteristic of the Songye culture. Dated by Lew as circa 1890 this example features a blade with raised non-edge sides, multiple perforations, engravings and a copper inlay on each face. The haft is entirely clad with sheet copper, flat to presumed underlying wood in most places, but as a spiral wrapped strip in the area of the grip. The blade is very slightly loose in its setting and its tang is folded over at the back of the haft. From the insertion into the haft the blade is 6¼ inches (16 cm.) long with an arced edge 5¾ inches (14.5 cm.) long. The haft is about 17¼ inches (44 cm.) long. Weight is 20 ounces.