Axe, probably for ceremonial use, with semi-circular tanged blade set in curved wooden handle bound with bands of decoration in brass and copper wire. [LM 16/07/2007]

Collection type: Object
Description: Axe, probably for ceremonial use, with semi-circular tanged blade set in curved wooden handle bound with bands of decoration in brass and copper wire. [LM 16/07/2007]
Long description: The handle of the axe is made of a length of dark wood which widens out into a crescent shape at the top. The blade is inserted into the centre of the crescent shaped section. The blade is made of iron (badly rusted) and is roughly semi-circular with a protruding pole running from the middle of the straight edge of the semi-circle. This pole fixes the blade to the main body of the axe. The axe is decorated at points along its length with binding in copper and brass wire. At the end the handle is perforated and a strip of hide has been tied through to enable the axe to be hung up or carried with the hide. [MdeA 14/2/2002]
Geographical reference: South Africa
Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa
Person: Field collector Alexander Hadfield; PRM source A.C.F. Hadfield
Date / Period: Date made: Circa by 1950?, uncertain
Date collected: By circa 1950?
Acquisition information: Donated: 25/05/2000
Materials and processes: Material Wood Plant, Material Iron Metal, Material Brass Metal, Material Copper Metal, Material Metal Wire, Material Animal Skin, Process Bound, Process Forged (Metal), Process Carved
Dimensions: Width: max 177 mm, Length: max 697 mm
Object numbers: Accession number: 2000.21.5

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