Prestige axe of the Lozi Mbunda from the Barotse region Zambia/Angola Mid 20. century

This elegant prestige axe originates from the Barotse Region in southern Central Africa a border area between Zambia Angola and the DR Congo and the shape as well as processing are characteristic for the tribes of the Lozi and Mbunda whereby such axes were not carried as tools but as important insignia of rank and status by dignitaries and chiefs.

The hand-forged iron blade is driven through the wooden shaft and decorated at the visible end with 4 subtle parallel grooves whereby a special detail are the two small pointed thorns that protrude forward at the semicircular end piece of the blade which is a rare blacksmithing feature that emphasizes the exclusivity of this piece. The dimensions are approx. 46,5 x 19,5 cm and the ergonomically shaped wooden handle shows at the end pieces a decorative darkening which was produced according to traditional craftsmanship through targeted superficial burning in the sense of a pyrogravure. On the handle there is also a fragment of a very old label on a string and even if only individual letters or numbers are still recognizable this points to a historical collection or inventory number and underlines the age as well as the provenance of the object which is in an authentic original condition with a beautiful age patina on the wood and on the iron. Rust spots on the iron; signs of use corresponding to the age.