Ndau Axe Zimbabwe

[utonga]

Good morning .....picked up this axe in Zimbabwe. it comes from southeastern Zimbabwe (Chipinge). Would appreciate any comments/ opinions.

[VANDOO]

THIS UNUSUAL FORM OF AX IS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH ZULU AND A FEW OTHER SOUTH AFRICAN TRIBES. THE BLADES ARE VERY SIMULAR IN FORM AND FUNCTION THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BEING IN THE HANDLES. IT FUNCTIONS AS AN AX OR SHORT THRUSTING SPEAR. I DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY OF THIS FORM OR IF IT DATES BACK TO THE ZULU WARS OR IF IT IS A MORE RECENT DEVELOPMENT.

[kai]

Welcome to the forum, Utonga!

[utonga]

Thanks!

[colin henshaw]

As far as I know - this type of axe is a Matabele or Zulu type, and the other axe you posted the Mashona pattern.

Regards.

[collectingspears]

These axes were used by several Southern African tribal groups including: Zulu,Swazi, Tsonga/Shangaan, Shona & Ndau. In fact one Swazi regiment used this particular type to identify their regiment from other Swazi regiments.
Regards,