Songye Nsapo axe - SOLD OUT
This African Songye ax features a wooden handle covered with a snakeskin. The blade of the ax consists of three branches and a cutting edge. The latter carries a series of small punches applied by the blacksmith. The upper branch is nicely twisted while the other two are decorated 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. An additional sign of the means of its sponsor, the snakeskin, a luxurious material.
This piece was brought back in the 1950s by a Belgian settler in Kinshasa.
00965
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1930
- Size
- 39 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, metal
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
You might also like
This African Songye ax features a wooden handle covered with a snakeskin. The blade of the ax consists of three branches and a cutting edge. The latter carries a series of small punches applied by the blacksmith. The upper branch is nicely twisted while the other two are decorated 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. An additional sign of the means of its sponsor, the snakeskin, a luxurious material.
This piece was brought back in the 1950s by a Belgian settler in Kinshasa.