Hatchet Handle Item Number: Ac242 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Light brown wood shaft with a slightly flared butt end that continues into an upturned angled knob end which is elbow-like, and randomly pierced with brass-headed tacks and one silver metal one. Both ends darkly coloured. Shaft's circumference above knob end is wrapped with brass wire and pierced with three brass nails. Knob's base has large hole at angle into centre.
History Of Use
Shaft from hatchet; blade now missing. Hatches had a variety of uses, such as cutting meat, bones, trees, branches or bushes. The brass tacks suggest a decorative or ceremonial use. Brass tacks are common within various forms of Chokwe art, masks, sculptures, and furniture.
Cultural Context
utilitarian
Narrative
The collector, Nellie Taylor, served as a nursing missionary (1900-1920), first with the Ovimbundu at Bihe, then with the Chokwe at luma Kasai. She belonged to a group who sponsored several missions across Central Africa from 1881-1931.
Item History
- Made in Luma Kasai, Angola before 1920
- Collected between 1900 and 1920
- Owned by Nellie Taylor
- Owned by Gladys G. Cameron before January 12, 1979
- Received from Gladys G. Cameron (Donor) on January 12, 1979
What
Who
- Culture
- Chokwe
- Previous Owner
- Nellie Taylor and Gladys G. Cameron
- Received from
- Gladys G. Cameron (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Luma Kasai, Angola
When
- Creation Date
- before 1920
- Collection Date
- between 1900 and 1920
- Ownership Date
- before January 12, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on January 12, 1979
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0509/0015