Axe "kilonda" - Tetela/Songye - DR Congo
06
days
10
hours
33
minutes
33
seconds
Current bid
€ 200
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 1,400 - € 1,600
 | €200 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €100 | |
 | €5 | |
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Description from the seller
Wonderful Kilonda Axe Tetela/Songye
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dimensions: 39 × 20 cm (only the blade for the width)
Materials: wrought iron, red copper, wood, monitor lizard skin, tapestry nails
Period: late 19th / very early 20th century
Provenance: Hessink's Auction House, Maastricht, Netherlands
— Description: This "Songye" Kilonda axe possesses several rare features for a Kilonda. First, the blade is forged in the manner of a Tetela-Kusu blade (see the three photos behind). That is, it has several curved lines at the end of the blade and are not found on classic Songye kilonda. Secondly, although there are many Songye axes with monitor lizard skin on the wood, this one is entirely covered with tapestry nails over its entire surface. As for the blade, its chisellings are deep and beautifully executed. The photographs speak for themselves. It undoubtedly dates from the late 19th century.
— Ethnicity: This type of axe, called Kilonda, 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. Songye blacksmiths are recognized as the greatest masters of the forge and used hot and cold forging techniques to decorate these blades (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Lefebvre & De Waele, Kilonda, 2011; Neyt, Songye, 2004).
— This Kilonda axe is sold with its invoice from Hessink's Auction House.
— Careful delivery, guaranteed with tracking number.
Wonderful Kilonda Axe Tetela/Songye
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dimensions: 39 × 20 cm (only the blade for the width)
Materials: wrought iron, red copper, wood, monitor lizard skin, tapestry nails
Period: late 19th / very early 20th century
Provenance: Hessink's Auction House, Maastricht, Netherlands
— Description: This "Songye" Kilonda axe possesses several rare features for a Kilonda. First, the blade is forged in the manner of a Tetela-Kusu blade (see the three photos behind). That is, it has several curved lines at the end of the blade and are not found on classic Songye kilonda. Secondly, although there are many Songye axes with monitor lizard skin on the wood, this one is entirely covered with tapestry nails over its entire surface. As for the blade, its chisellings are deep and beautifully executed. The photographs speak for themselves. It undoubtedly dates from the late 19th century.
— Ethnicity: This type of axe, called Kilonda, 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. Songye blacksmiths are recognized as the greatest masters of the forge and used hot and cold forging techniques to decorate these blades (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Lefebvre & De Waele, Kilonda, 2011; Neyt, Songye, 2004).
— This Kilonda axe is sold with its invoice from Hessink's Auction House.
— Careful delivery, guaranteed with tracking number.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Tetela/Songye
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 19th century
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Axe "kilonda"
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
