SLAVER'S AXE

Second half of the 19th century from the Baptist Missionary Society Collection. Heavy hardwood haft with flared butt and bulbous terminal socket with scorch toning. The iron head of finest quality including features we have not seen on others such as the thickened bolster at the socket and corresponding cross band at the deep crescent form blade. The segment between decorated a series of sunbursts, field line bordered in intricate punches. Fine condition aging as expected. The axe was used by advanced warriors of great skill and stature to open the kral which was secured each night with logs lashed in place. As the weapon in hand, it then served for the initial attack. The quality of this example suggests that it was made as a gift, and the head is probably the work of a European or Arab smith. Museum worthy.