A Most Unusual Axe;Prestige, Dance or Souvenir Piece?iece

[Ian]

I think Colin is correct that the axe in the OP is the same as in the auction picture. Attached is a composite graphic of the two. Taking into account differences in the backgrounds, angle at which the item has been photographed, etc., these two look very similar even though the auction picture is blurry at this magnification. Note particularly the similarity in rub markings at the end of the handle, caused by a missing thong. It appears that the OP came from a lot of similar African-like examples made with woodworking equipment that was used to turn the handles, rather than them being hand carved.

It's possible that the axes shown in the auction picture were made within the traditional cultures using modern tools and methods. However, those axes appear to be based on several different tribal examples, which makes them more likely to come from a single, non-traditional source.

I think the OP and the other axes in the auction picture are likely purely decorative pieces and made for sale outside the traditional cultures. The thinness of the OP blade is evidence that these were non-functional and purely for decorative purposes.


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