axes in Madagascar

[Ian]

I have to admit the design of these axes is odd. Is it possible that the axe blade was used like a large draw knife, with a hand either side of the blade, to shave or shape wood with the grain?

[ausjulius]

Originally Posted by Ian

I have to admit the design of these axes is odd. Is it possible that the axe blade was used like a large draw knife, with a hand either side of the blade, to shave or shape wood with the grain?

in the video they use them to face the log up a bit.. i wounder if there is any other axes with odd things like the handle extending above the eye like this .

[Ren Ren]

One of the strangest axes I've ever seen:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...&postcount=314

[kronckew]

Looks more like the stock of a Hmong/Montainyard crossbow to go with the arrow he's holding. walking stick leaning against his back, I do not see an axe.

[Ren Ren]

This makes the ax easier to see

[kronckew]

looks more like a sickle

[Ren Ren]

Originally Posted by kronckew

looks more like a sickle

Two Laotian axes from "Le musée du quai Branly" in Paris
https://www.quaibranly.fr/fr/explore...ancier/page/1/
https://www.quaibranly.fr/fr/explore...-hache/page/1/
The archaic construction is clearly visible from the Bronze Age.

[Saracen]

Originally Posted by Ren Ren

This makes the ax easier to see

It doesn't seem like an axe to me either.
This photo shows that the working part is wooden.
But in his right hand he has an axe according to its functionality.

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by Saracen

It doesn't seem like an axe to me either.
This photo shows that the working part is wooden.
But in his right hand he has an axe according to its functionality.

Right hand: That's a Mak, an SEA agricultural tool. he's using the unsharpened edge to hammer with. (Or he's cutting Upwards)


Like mine: Also a temple fresco showing them used as a military weapon.

note: the cutting edge is not where you would expect It's the lower (concave) edge on mine and similar items. The upper edge is a broad flat spine.

[ausjulius]

Originally Posted by Saracen

It doesn't seem like an axe to me either.
This photo shows that the working part is wooden.
But in his right hand he has an axe according to its functionality.

they are axes..this is how axes in thailand cambodia and laos once looked.. in flea markets there you can find the blades and ive seem some people in isolated areas with a similar type in laos... i think the length of the head of the ax helps with give it it a powerful cut that dosnt rebound.. it gives inertia .. like the axes in papua new guinea which also use a smaller sort of T section head. ..

[ausjulius]

Originally Posted by Saracen

It doesn't seem like an axe to me either.
This photo shows that the working part is wooden.
But in his right hand he has an axe according to its functionality.

champa people making this axe in cambodia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40xKsh1tfJg

here he is making the axe .... but i think he just makes it for the first time maybe.. but as mentioned in my other post there is a video of people making these to use recently.. in laos .

[ausjulius]

Originally Posted by Ren Ren

One of the strangest axes I've ever seen:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...&postcount=314

i will try to find the video on youtube but ther eis footabe .. recent footage.. last 5 years of somebody forging the blades for these axes in an isolated village so id guess somebody is still using them.. the other type that exsists has a much smaller wooden heat like a T that the main handle is wedged into..
its interesting that we take european axes for granted .. but in actuial fact many people had developed a slightly different solution for a similar tool..

in europe.. finland for example their traditional axes look very odd compared to an american pattern of axe.. .. but now no longer made for more than 25 years..
i guess things like hammers, axes, digging tools., saws.. ect things most cultures that had metal had probably had a great variation once in the past till european.. to be more precise.. mostly... english speakers patterns took over the worlds markets.