Axe "kilonda" - Songye - DR Congo

Hatchet "kilonda" Songye
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total height (handle): 41 cm
Width (blade): 17 cm
Materials: wrought iron, wood
Period: early 20th century (1930-40)

This type of axe was mainly produced by the Songye, but also by the Nsapo and the Luba. Although their shape largely drew on functional weapons, they were above all symbols of prestige and ceremony. The Songye blacksmiths are recognized as the greatest masters of the forge and used hot- and cold-forging techniques to ornament these blades (Elsen, From Iron and Pride, 2003; Lefebvre & De Waele, Kilonda, 2011; Neyt, Songye, 2004).

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