Kilonda Axe - Songye Culture of Congo. Early 20th Century

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Kilonda Axe - Songye Culture of Congo. Early 20th Century

Name: Kilonda Axe - Songye Culture of Congo. Early 20th Century
Brand: Antikeo
SKU: U2DHM9ZJ8I
Price: 1200 EUR
Availability: InStock

By Gallery Le Grenier Du Passé Présent

1.200 €

Period 20th century

Style Tribal Art

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From: 02310, pavant, France

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Description

This description has been translated and may not be completely accurate. Click here to see the original

Traditional weapon of the Songye of Congo resembling an axe (called nsapo, or kilonda). Wrought iron blade of triangular shape in openwork iron and animated on both sides with incised anthropomorphic faces and two knots with strands finished in twisted decoration, connected to a wooden handle of the club type, coated with copper. Largely ceremonial, it could be used a little like an Amerindian tomahawk, both thrown over short distances and also in hand-to-hand combat.
This weapon originates from the Haut-Congo region and was made by the Nsapo people who prospered industrially by working iron and copper. The axe is made of wrought iron while the handle is made of wood covered with copper. This weapon caused a lot of damage when used in combat. Synonymous with power, the axe is usually carried by the Songye chiefs. It is also used as currency.
The etymology of this weapon is based on the name "Zappo Zap", a Songye tribal group once very active in the Congo Free State.

Ref: U2DHM9ZJ8I

Additional Information

Condition	Good
Style	Tribal Art (Swords, Bladed weapons of Tribal Art Style)
Period	20th century (Swords, Bladed weapons 20th century)
Country of origin	South Africa