Zulu Axe

The Double D · 13th September 2006, 06:53 PM

I have it on great authority that the axe in this picture and the axe that I acquired is in fact a Zulu War axe. It is used by a Zulu leader as a symbol of his authority to lead his people to war. It is a symbolic war axe and not a battle axe for fighting. It also is similiar but not the same as the Swazi axe in the same manner that the Zulu's and Swazi's are similiar and not the same, they are cousins.

My authority Chief Mangosuthu ("Gatsha") Buthelezi the gentlemen shown carrying the axe in this photo. I met him at a reception this evening. I felt like an hero worshipping schoolboy talking with him. As far as I am concerned this is the definitive word on this axe.

Is this not cool!!!

katana · 13th September 2006, 09:47 PM

DD you name dropper....

The Double D · 14th September 2006, 05:01 AM

Yes, yes, I am...I about choked on my drink when he walked in, and when he walked over to me while making the circuit....well I was beside myself.

When a real Zulu Chief tells you something, you listen...as far as I am concerned it is the gospel on my war axe!

Ian · 14th September 2006, 05:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Double D

These guys' footwear is interesting.

Rinaldo · 27th September 2006, 09:07 AM

looks more like the hilo hilo region's zulu faction (swaziland) in my opinion.

Tim Simmons · 7th February 2009, 05:00 PM

This axe was on ebay and failed to reach its reserve. The seller lived only 40 miles away so I contacted him. This all coincided with me selling a few things so I was just about able to afford to get it. Why it did not sell I do not know, perhaps the high starting bid + the lack of detailed pics put people off. There were no pictures of how the flat ends of the haft were finished. I can say it 100% right. I can add pictures if need be.
It seems to have iron, brass and copper wire on the haft. It is heavy enough to be a weapon and does have an edge however I do not think it has ever been battle ready when compered to the other axe shown before. That has iron wire with lead pegs in the half and has been sharpened many times. I have read that the southern African peoples were and had been familiar with the drawing of copper and iron wire for centuries. Would it be wrong to clean the wire work?

Lew · 8th February 2009, 11:42 AM

This one is possibily Zulu or Shona?

Tim Simmons · 8th February 2009, 05:48 PM

Nice axe Lew. I was offered that axe and part of me wanted it but it meant giving up one of my PI pieces which are not the most common this in the UK. It has a Shona look but as we have found out many different peoples often used pretty much the same weapons. I need one like this now.

I have cleaned the metal on this latest axe. From the handle upwards brass and steel, copper and brass, copper, copper brass and steel, and around the axe head copper and steel.

7th February 2009, 05:00 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Another one to compere? This axe was on ebay and failed to reach its reserve. The seller lived only 40 miles away so I contacted him. This all coincided with me selling a few things so I was just about able to afford to get it. Why it did not sell I do not know, perhaps the high starting bid + the lack of detailed pics put people off. There were no pictures of how the flat ends of the haft were finished. I can say it 100% right. I can add pictures if need be. It seems to have iron, brass and copper wire on the haft. It is heavy enough to be a weapon and does have an edge however I do not think it has ever been battle ready when compered to the other axe shown before. That has iron wire with lead pegs in the half and has been sharpened many times. I have read that the southern African peoples were and had been familiar with the drawing of copper and iron wire for centuries. Would it be wrong to clean the wire work? Attached Images Last edited by Tim Simmons; 7th February 2009 at 05:03 PM. Reason: spelling

8th February 2009, 11:42 AM	#7
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	This one is possibily Zulu or Shona? Attached Images

8th February 2009, 05:48 PM	#8
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,855	Nice axe Lew. I was offered that axe and part of me wanted it but it meant giving up one of my PI pieces which are not the most common this in the UK. It has a Shona look but as we have found out many different peoples often used pretty much the same weapons. I need one like this now. I have cleaned the metal on this latest axe. From the handle upwards brass and steel, copper and brass, copper, copper brass and steel, and around the axe head copper and steel. Attached Images

13th September 2006, 06:53 PM	#1
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	I have it on great authority that the axe in this picture and the axe that I acquired is in fact a Zulu War axe. It is used by a Zulu leader as a symbol of his authority to lead his people to war. It is a symbolic war axe and not a battle axe for fighting. It also is similiar but not the same as the Swazi axe in the same manner that the Zulu's and Swazi's are similiar and not the same, they are cousins. My authority Chief Mangosuthu ("Gatsha") Buthelezi the gentlemen shown carrying the axe in this photo. I met him at a reception this evening. I felt like an hero worshipping schoolboy talking with him. As far as I am concerned this is the definitive word on this axe. Is this not cool!!!

13th September 2006, 09:47 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	DD you name dropper....

14th September 2006, 05:01 AM	#3
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	Yes, yes, I am...I about choked on my drink when he walked in, and when he walked over to me while making the circuit....well I was beside myself. When a real Zulu Chief tells you something, you listen...as far as I am concerned it is the gospel on my war axe!

27th September 2006, 09:07 AM	#5
Rinaldo Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 2	looks more like the hilo hilo region's zulu faction (swaziland) in my opinion.