Additional information
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Unusually Large Songye Ceremonial Axe
An unusually large Songye ceremonial axe with a copper clad handle and anthropomorphic details on its wrought iron blade. Under Belgian colonial rule, the Congo’s rich deposits of malachite were exploited as never before for the extraction of copper. As a result, copper became more readily available in Central Africa than ever before. Copper had long been valued for its durability, malleability and beauty. With supply up and its appeal untarnished, Africans increasingly employed copper to adorn objects of import and prestige from masks to traditional arms. See additional photos for close-up detail.
24″
