Information
cm 42 x 24
Asymmetrical forged iron blade with a central rib on which there is on both sides the head of a character in relief. Wooden handle covered with lizard skin. Name of origin : Kasuyu
The Songye or Basonge are a group of about 100,000 individuals living in a large southeastern area of former Zaire bounded by the courses of the Lualaba and Lomami rivers. Since ancient times they have developed great skill in the production of iron weapons, especially parry axes. These fine objects were reserved for clan chiefs, sorcerers, judges, famous sculptors, etc., and were used during collective ceremonies to testify to the prestige and social rank of those who possessed them.
The fame of these large axes spread in the early 1900s, and many models were produced by Songye and Nsapo Nsapo blacksmiths who made them with great skill.
The bars supporting the blade are first chiseled, then welded together at one end, finally joined to the inner part of the blade, which, on the outside is sharpened and embellished with a sequence of punctiform motifs obtained with a burin. Some bars, as in this specimen, may be twisted several times into a spiral.
Asymmetrical forged iron blade with a central rib on which there is on both sides the head of a character in relief. Wooden handle covered with lizard skin. Name of origin : Kasuyu
The Songye or Basonge are a group of about 100,000 individuals living in a large southeastern area of former Zaire bounded by the courses of the Lualaba and Lomami rivers. Since ancient times they have developed great skill in the production of iron weapons, especially parry axes. These fine objects were reserved for clan chiefs, sorcerers, judges, famous sculptors, etc., and were used during collective ceremonies to testify to the prestige and social rank of those who possessed them.
The fame of these large axes spread in the early 1900s, and many models were produced by Songye and Nsapo Nsapo blacksmiths who made them with great skill.
The bars supporting the blade are first chiseled, then welded together at one end, finally joined to the inner part of the blade, which, on the outside is sharpened and embellished with a sequence of punctiform motifs obtained with a burin. Some bars, as in this specimen, may be twisted several times into a spiral.
Literature
FISCHER WERNER & ZIRNGIBL MANFRED A., Afrikanische Waffen, Passau 1978, pag. 161-163 (202);
ZIRNGIBL MANFRED A. “Seltene Afrikanische Kurzwaffen” Grafenau 1983, pag. 130 - 135 (238);
ZIRNGIBL MANFRED A. “Seltene Afrikanische Kurzwaffen” Grafenau 1983, pag. 130 - 135 (238);
Contact
Condition report
To request a Condition Report, please contact arteafricana@finarte.it
The department will provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that what Finarte declares with respect to the state of conservation of the objects corresponds only to a qualified opinion and that we are not professional conservators or restorers.
We urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. We always suggest prospective buyers to inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition during the exhibition days as indicated in the catalog.