ZULU WARRIOR’S BATTLE AXE, ISIZENZE.

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Item Number: 10-137

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ZULU WARRIOR’S BATTLE AXE, ISIZENZE. This example undoubtedly collected after a battle of the 1879 War but probably nearly half a century older. Large heavy example as descended from the southern clans incorporated into the Zulu nation by Shaka’s conquests. 29 1/2” overall with thick curved tapered haft with swelled head mounted with a forward favoring slightly asymmetrical axe blade. The top with protruding finely forged with crescent form medial each side and tapering support with incised decoration at the junction with the tang protruding as a back spike. The socket secured with a European screw peened both sides and square nail. Such European made items were valued and displayed as signs of unity with the king Shaka, who received such items from the English in 1825 after granting them full possession of the Port of Natal. Blade quite crisp, withdark patina and with uniform hammer stipple. That surface treatment may be related to Shaka’s relationship with the smiths who reforged the traditional spears into assegai form. Haft shows minor old splinters to the butt, good patina with light age encrustation