Accession Number
1998/1.50

Title
Prestige Axe

Artist(s)
Songye

Artist Nationality
Songye

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
metal blade with snake or lizard skin wrapped wood handle

Dimensions
12 13/16 in x 5 13/16 in (32.5 cm x 14.8 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Susan B. and John F. Ullrich

Label copy
Axe with cylindrical shaft topped with a small head of classical Songye style with neck rings and chest detail; the other end widening into a rounded, flattened section with 2 abstract linear faces, one on either edge; a short straight metal blade (re-used file) issuing from mouth of one face; small hand-grip of snake or lizard skin; handle wood with light brown, glossy patina, remnants of white and red pigments; hair of small head blackened with hole at top for insertion fo medicinal ingredients. [David Ackley]

Primary Object Classification
Metalwork

Collection Area
African

Rights
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Keywords
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