Tribal Axe for discussion...

kronckew · 30th April 2015, 09:39 PM

if you fall off your bike, best to get right back on.

'nother axe i just won on epray. comments and/or add'l information (date?)welcome with my thanks in advance.

Vendor's Description

"A tribal axe, with a decorated iron head, with a painted wooden handle partially covered with reptile skin, probably lizard, but possibly snake. The head is approx 5 1/4" '[13.5cm] lomg (sic), the handle just about 18" [45cm]. The iron head is decorated with geometric symbols on both sides. I'm unsure of its origin, best guess would be North Africa, possibly Tunisia. Uncertain age.

CONDITION: The head is just a little loose, but holds well, there are a few historic worm holes to thew (sic) handle, and it lacks the loop at the end of the handle. Otherwise in good antique condition, the ironj (sic) head with obvious oxydation (sic)."

Tim Simmons · 30th April 2015, 10:31 PM

Looks to be from the South Sudan and a nice example.

Iain · 1st May 2015, 11:43 AM

What Tim said! Looks very much like a Nuer axe (http://southernsudan.prm.ox.ac.uk/details/1946.8.91/) and a nice example. Congrats on a good find.

kronckew · 1st May 2015, 12:58 PM

looks like those nuer axes w/o the brass wrap (snake/lkizard skin instead) & a lot shorter (those were well over a meter - camel axes?). will check to see if it looks cut off when it arrives. reading the descrptions, a loose head must not be uncommon, and resin was used to secure them.

30th April 2015, 09:39 PM	#1
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	Tribal Axe for discussion... if you fall off your bike, best to get right back on. 'nother axe i just won on epray. comments and/or add'l information (date?)welcome with my thanks in advance. Vendor's Description "A tribal axe, with a decorated iron head, with a painted wooden handle partially covered with reptile skin, probably lizard, but possibly snake. The head is approx 5 1/4" '[13.5cm] lomg (sic), the handle just about 18" [45cm]. The iron head is decorated with geometric symbols on both sides. I'm unsure of its origin, best guess would be North Africa, possibly Tunisia. Uncertain age. CONDITION: The head is just a little loose, but holds well, there are a few historic worm holes to thew (sic) handle, and it lacks the loop at the end of the handle. Otherwise in good antique condition, the ironj (sic) head with obvious oxydation (sic)." Attached Images

30th April 2015, 10:31 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Looks to be from the South Sudan and a nice example.

1st May 2015, 11:43 AM	#3
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,693	What Tim said! Looks very much like a Nuer axe (http://southernsudan.prm.ox.ac.uk/details/1946.8.91/) and a nice example. Congrats on a good find.

1st May 2015, 12:58 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,183	looks like those nuer axes w/o the brass wrap (snake/lkizard skin instead) & a lot shorter (those were well over a meter - camel axes?). will check to see if it looks cut off when it arrives. reading the descrptions, a loose head must not be uncommon, and resin was used to secure them.