Axe
Item number K4.8 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
Item number K4.8 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.
The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.
These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.
This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.
Axe with copper-covered wooden handle with a rounded top and flared butt end, and a steel crescent-shaped blade with three supporting arms. The middle arm of the blade has four faces in low relief. The handle has indented decoration of small dots and two large circles.
Large, elaborately decorated axes are a status symbol for high-ranking men in several communities in central Africa, including the Kuba, Luba, and Songye. Their status is derived from the value placed on ironworking. It was a culturally important practice because of the plentiful iron ore deposits available in the region.
ceremonial
The faces decorating the central arm of the axe blade may have been meant to represent the peoples subjugated or conquered by the wielder. The use of copper on the handle is also a sign of wealth, as copper was rarely accessible until the modern era.
This data has been provided to the RRN by the MOA: University of British Columbia. We've used it to provide the information on the Data tab.
ceremonial
Axe with copper-covered wooden handle with a rounded top and flared butt end, and a steel crescent-shaped blade with three supporting arms. The middle arm of the blade has four faces in low relief. The handle has indented decoration of small dots and two large circles.
The faces decorating the central arm of the axe blade may have been meant to represent the peoples subjugated or conquered by the wielder. The use of copper on the handle is also a sign of wealth, as copper was rarely accessible until the modern era.
Large, elaborately decorated axes are a status symbol for high-ranking men in several communities in central Africa, including the Kuba, Luba, and Songye. Their status is derived from the value placed on ironworking. It was a culturally important practice because of the plentiful iron ore deposits available in the region.
Let the RRN community answer your questions
With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account
Share your knowlege of this item with the RRN community
With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account