Blade of Office : 2014.1.110

Title:

Mbala Ceremonial Axe

Object Name:

Blade of Office

Other Name:

Axe, Ceremonial, Mbala

Place of Origin:

Mbala, Republic of Congo, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 13"
W = 9"
D = 1—1/4"

The fame of the Mbala people rests on their production of a red pigment, called Tukula, from which their name, 'the red people', emanates.
Among chiefs' possessions were maternity figures and other figures depicting everyday activities, as well as neckrests, cups, knives and sceptres.

Bacquart, P. 177

Attached Sticker: Mbala Ceremonial Axe. (a badge of office). Zaire — 19th C.
See Websters Dictionary, P. 43 #202, CP.10.8

Description:

Long blackish brown wooden handle, with round flat head, with hole in center. Wide fan—shaped blade with undulating edge. Some rust on blade.

Collection:

Finley Collection

Material:

Wood W/Iron

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Metal Working / Carving

Owned:

Art Department, Missouri Southern State University