Axe "kilonda" - Tetela/Songye - DR Congo

• Superb axe "kilonda" 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, upholstery nails

• Period: late 19th/early 20th century

• Weight: 390 g

• Provenance: Ancient collection of Michel Maes, Maastricht, Netherlands (real estate developer of Van Oys Castle, Maastricht); Hessink's Auction House, Maastricht, Netherlands

— Description: This Songye axe has several rare features for a kilonda. First, the blade is forged in the style of a Tetela-Kusu blade. That is, it has several lines of curves at the tip of the blade, which are not found on all kilonda axes. Secondly, although there are many Songye axes with monitor lizard skin on wood, this one is completely covered with upholstery nails over its entire surface. As for the blade, its chiselings are truly very deep and magnificently executed. The photographs speak for themselves. And there is no doubt it dates from the late 19th century. Prestigious provenance from real estate developer Michel Maes.

— Ethnicity: This type of axe, called kilonda, was mainly produced by the Songye, but also by the Nsapo and the Luba. While their form 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 ornament these blades (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Lefebvre & De Waele, Kilonda, 2011; Neyt, Songye, 2004).

— The axe is sold with its invoice from Hessink's Auction House.

— Careful, insured delivery with tracking number.