H x W x D: 39.8 x 25.8 x 5.2 cm (15 11/16 x 10 3/16 x 2 1/16 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Late 19th-early 20th century
Label Text:
The Songye, especially the Nsapo group, are known for their axes with ornamental blades. The number of spokes, bands and relief heads vary greatly but the technical skill represented by the forged iron is uniformly high. While some handles are plain polished wood, others are covered with high prestige or copper alloy. This example is covered with a reptile skin, tentively identified as a monitor lizard, that was probably selected because of its pattern and symbolic value.
Description:
Iron blade with three bands of metal joining a curving edge, enclosing two twisted interior strands that entwine with the inner looped side of the blade. The central spoke has a small stylized human head in relief. The handle has a rounded end and flared base and is covered in reptile skin, perhaps monitor lizard.
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
