Cameroon,Bamileke? hand axe

Tim Simmons · 21st October 2006, 02:57 PM

Got this today, it was not cheap. One of those things you either buy or just forget you saw it. However i think it was probably a fare price as in my mind it is of museum quality. I cannot call it a knife. The blade is heavy and very sharp with no stabbing use, a small chopper or hand axe. Total length of the item 34cm. I pushed the boat out on this one, I think it was worth it. I doubt I will see one again. Just thought I would show you all.

Lew · 21st October 2006, 04:02 PM

[QUOTE=Tim Simmons]Got this today, it was not cheap. One of those things you either buy or just forget you saw it. However i think it was probably a fair price as in my mind it is of museum quality.

Tim

No fish and chips for a month for you my friend

A lovely piece now I am green with envy.

Lew

Tim Simmons · 21st October 2006, 04:58 PM

Thanks Lew. I did have fish and chips today. Now I shall have to miss around 53 portions, ouch!!!!

katana · 21st October 2006, 06:01 PM

Interesting...

...the carved head ..is it a lion? or human with lion features or other?
Way out of my price range.......still you've also made a shoal of fish happy....at least they wont get eaten for another month...

I suppose I'm a bit of a 'cheap SKATE'.......groan....

Tim Simmons · 21st October 2006, 06:15 PM

Ahh skate with capers

Do not get me wrong I have been very naughty buying this. My wife bought some cloths not that long ago so maybe that was play on my mind. Boys toy expensive? Ladies like- shoes, jackets, bags, scarfs,jumpers, fancy tops, creams zzzzzzzzz.

PS. The human head and face with full cheeks is a common motif in Bamileke art.

PS. How long do ladies things last? I can sell this in ten years time. They do not think of that.

PS. Some people are happy to waste money on cars? I drive an old heap.

Freddy · 21st October 2006, 07:54 PM

Nice find, Tim.

By looking at the head on the handle, I would say Bamileke, Cameroon.

In 'Afrikanische Waffen' by Fisher & Zirngibl (1978), I found a knife which could be from the same origin. The authors identify this piece as Bali (Cameroon).

The author says : 'Cult knife with fur sheath, belonged to King Galega II'

Especially, the part of the handle near the blade looks similar.

Here's a pic :

21st October 2006, 02:57 PM	#1
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	Cameroon,Bamileke? hand axe Got this today, it was not cheap. One of those things you either buy or just forget you saw it. However i think it was probably a fare price as in my mind it is of museum quality. I cannot call it a knife. The blade is heavy and very sharp with no stabbing use, a small chopper or hand axe. Total length of the item 34cm. I pushed the boat out on this one, I think it was worth it. I doubt I will see one again. Just thought I would show you all. Last edited by Tim Simmons; 21st October 2006 at 04:56 PM.

21st October 2006, 06:15 PM	#5
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	Ahh skate with capers Do not get me wrong I have been very naughty buying this. My wife bought some cloths not that long ago so maybe that was play on my mind. Boys toy expensive? Ladies like- shoes, jackets, bags, scarfs,jumpers, fancy tops, creams zzzzzzzzz. PS. The human head and face with full cheeks is a common motif in Bamileke art. PS. How long do ladies things last? I can sell this in ten years time. They do not think of that. PS. Some people are happy to waste money on cars? I drive an old heap. Last edited by Tim Simmons; 21st October 2006 at 06:51 PM.

21st October 2006, 04:02 PM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	[QUOTE=Tim Simmons]Got this today, it was not cheap. One of those things you either buy or just forget you saw it. However i think it was probably a fair price as in my mind it is of museum quality. Tim No fish and chips for a month for you my friend A lovely piece now I am green with envy. Lew

21st October 2006, 04:58 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,806	Thanks Lew. I did have fish and chips today. Now I shall have to miss around 53 portions, ouch!!!!

21st October 2006, 06:01 PM	#4
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	Interesting... ...the carved head ..is it a lion? or human with lion features or other? Way out of my price range.......still you've also made a shoal of fish happy....at least they wont get eaten for another month... I suppose I'm a bit of a 'cheap SKATE'.......groan....

21st October 2006, 07:54 PM	#6
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	Nice find, Tim. By looking at the head on the handle, I would say Bamileke, Cameroon. In 'Afrikanische Waffen' by Fisher & Zirngibl (1978), I found a knife which could be from the same origin. The authors identify this piece as Bali (Cameroon). The author says : 'Cult knife with fur sheath, belonged to King Galega II' Especially, the part of the handle near the blade looks similar. Here's a pic :