Additional information
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Shona Ritual Axe
Ritual axe from the Shona people of Zimbabwe. While incised and exhibiting reposé work, the steel itself is likely of recycled European origin. Traces of another wood tone on the shaft are consistent with age and use.
Axes of this rare type are neither tools nor weapons; their use was strictly ceremonial. They are characterized by having over-sized blades with blunt edges often decorated with hammered patterns and sometimes splattered with colorful paint. This specimen boasts embossed geometric designs on the blade colored over with red earth pigment. Ex-collection Milos Somovic, Harare and New York (1990s).
18″
