Mwera Antelope Axe

Axes with antelope heads with raked back horns were produced in Tanganyika during the tail end of German occupation purportedly during the Maji Maji rebellion (1905-1907). Staffs without blades but with similar, if somewhat to very much more stylized antelope forms, predate the axes. All of the examples of this particular type of axe which I have seen, many but not all of which appear to be by a single hand or workshop, came to light in old British collections suggesting a brief but early twentieth century date of production. Excellent patina and age.

26.5″ long; 8″ tall; mounted on a hardwood base.