Axe head Orientation

[archer]

A recent lengthy thread discussing upside down axe heads. Here's one similar called a Tungi ax in Tirris, Islamic Weapons...He mentions it's use by the hunter gatherer Khond People. I haven't been able find much on them. The Bickner Museum photo shows several types of axes note several have upturned blade edges. Is this axe a Tungi? If not, what is this axe called? Is this one on the right way???
Thanks, Steve

[Stan S.]

If I may dare a guess... there is no right way or wrong way with Tungi axes. the purpose of the assymetrical attachment of the head is to distribute the force of the blow throughout teh haft rather than concentrate it all at a single point. This allowed for a slightly slimmer/lighter haft to be used with a heavier head. I have seen most of these axes with a head mounted as shown in the first and third example in your post. However the 2nd example (Tirri's book) in not unheard of either. I can't say why someone would choose one over the other but both attachments are found out there.

[archer]

Thanks Stan, I really began to doubt any of the information I posted was correct. Any thoughts on the Khond?

[Stan S.]

Sorry Steve, can't give you too much info on Khond. Tribal peoples of India are not my specialty, just some of their wepons are :D As far as I can tell Khond is one of the larger groups known for living in the mountains of Central India (i. e. Orissa, Chota Nagpur, etc.) and using a viriety of two-handed axes or short polearms as their primary weapon for hand-to-hand combat. By teh way, a bollova is also a Khond weapon... Google image search brings up a bunch of photos of tribal women with intricate facial tattoos and traditional Indian garb of colorful saris. Thats all I know. Perhaps another member can tell us more?

[estcrh]

I ran into this axe which seems to be very similar the what is shown as being a tungi axe. If someone has any additional info please post it.