Songye Nsapo axe
Beautiful Songye ax type "Nsapo" with a wooden handle. The iron of the ax divides into three branches. The latter carries a series of small punches applied by the blacksmith. The upper branch is nicely twisted while the other two are adorned with faces. These are recurring elements on Songye weapons.
This type of ax in addition to their possible use as a weapon of war, served mainly to the prestige of their owner. It was a prestigious support in particular when, as here, many decorations were visible there. Additional sign of the means of its sponsor, the snakeskin, luxurious material.
Authentic and old object brought back in the 1950s by a Belgian settler in Kinshasa.
01052
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- +/- 40 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, metal
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Very good
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Beautiful Songye ax type "Nsapo" with a wooden handle. The iron of the ax divides into three branches. The latter carries a series of small punches applied by the blacksmith. The upper branch is nicely twisted while the other two are adorned with faces. These are recurring elements on Songye weapons.
This type of ax in addition to their possible use as a weapon of war, served mainly to the prestige of their owner. It was a prestigious support in particular when, as here, many decorations were visible there. Additional sign of the means of its sponsor, the snakeskin, luxurious material.
Authentic and old object brought back in the 1950s by a Belgian settler in Kinshasa.