Two more African Axes for comment

kahnjar1 · 23rd May 2020, 09:43 AM

Just received these 2 which I believe are from Tanzania and likely the Nyamwezi people.
They are very similar but slightly different carving on the hafts.
All comments welcome.
Stu

rickystl · 23rd May 2020, 05:00 PM

Hi Stu

Having zero knowledge of central/south African weapons and tools, a question:

What do you think is the reason for the upward curve of the rear portion of the axe blade ? Do you think it would have been sharpened like a knife for different cutting purposes than the axe bit portion ? Just curious.

Rick

Bob A · 23rd May 2020, 05:56 PM

Being at least equally ignorant of the subject, I'd say the purpose was twofold: first, it would be suitable for thrusting, in a situation where a swing would be difficult or too time-consuming; and second, it fulfills the needs of the African aesthetic - these are really beautiful designs, after all.

kahnjar1 · 23rd May 2020, 09:57 PM

I doubt that the upturned side is designed as a cutting blade as all I have seen are blunt edged and the tips are rounded. Just the style I think.
There are other African axe types which also have a protrusion opposite the blade, which appears to be just the design
Stu

23rd May 2020, 09:43 AM	#1
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,810	Two more African Axes for comment Just received these 2 which I believe are from Tanzania and likely the Nyamwezi people. They are very similar but slightly different carving on the hafts. All comments welcome. Stu Attached Images

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23rd May 2020, 05:00 PM	#2
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Hi Stu Having zero knowledge of central/south African weapons and tools, a question: What do you think is the reason for the upward curve of the rear portion of the axe blade ? Do you think it would have been sharpened like a knife for different cutting purposes than the axe bit portion ? Just curious. Rick

23rd May 2020, 05:56 PM	#3
Bob A Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 446	Being at least equally ignorant of the subject, I'd say the purpose was twofold: first, it would be suitable for thrusting, in a situation where a swing would be difficult or too time-consuming; and second, it fulfills the needs of the African aesthetic - these are really beautiful designs, after all.

23rd May 2020, 09:57 PM	#4
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,810	I doubt that the upturned side is designed as a cutting blade as all I have seen are blunt edged and the tips are rounded. Just the style I think. There are other African axe types which also have a protrusion opposite the blade, which appears to be just the design Stu