African axe or fake?

[Nagawarrior]

Hi all. Been busy posting here. Its certainly addictive. I'm thankful for all of your comments and patients.
Here I have an African axe or so I thought. I was told by a dealer that saw it on my wall it was a fake. Now I'm worried.
Your opinions are needed. It look real too me, but I'm no expert.
Thanks!
Stephen*

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v229/Nagawarrior/African/IMG_0759.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v229/Nagawarrior/African/IMG_0763.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v229/Nagawarrior/African/IMG_0760.jpg

[Rick]

I think one has to define 'Fake' .












/I feel a bout of deja vu coming on . :rolleyes:

[Tim Simmons]

The dealer is talking nonsense. I think it is a Shona axe or possibly Chokwe either way you are looking at the southern part of Africa, western for Chokwe and more easterly for Shona. I like it, early 20th cent?

[Rather]

I would agree to Tim, it doesn't look like a fairly new souvenir for tourists. Especially the carved part shows signs of aging and it could we well about 80 years old. I think it’s “Genuine”, (which also has to be defined :rolleyes: )

[Flavio]

Nice axe Stephen and for sure it's no a fake!!!! :)

[katana]

Is the handle varnished, it looks like it in one of the photos? If it is... it could make a piece look 'plasticky' (another technical term which is bad English and spelling). Certainly wouldn't constitute a 'fake' because of it though.

[Lew]

Hi Naga Warrior

The axe is chokwe and it's no fake here is one from my collection for comparison.

Lew

[Nagawarrior]

Is the handle varnished, it looks like it in one of the photos? If it is... it could make a piece look 'plasticky' (another technical term which is bad English and spelling). Certainly wouldn't constitute a 'fake' because of it though.

Thanks all for your comments. The handle does seem so have a wax on it, I assume to preserve it. It gives it a nice patina. Perhaps one could think it to be a false patina to make the piece seem older?

Nice Chokwe axe Lew. I really appreciate the input. I can feel better about this piece I think. :)

[Tim Simmons]

Nice natural patina, you can add wax if you like or give it to me.

[Flavio]

Hi Naga Warrior

The axe is chokwe and it's no fake here is one from my collection for comparison.

Lew


Hello Lew, i don't think that is chokwe. On Westerdijik's book there are two axes that are similar to the one on discussion: one is attributed to the LELE in the sphere of KUBA people and the other at the MBALA near, but not neighbor, to the chokwe. If i can, later or tomorrow i will post the pictures of the book.

[Lew]

Flavio

Are you referring to my axe or Naga's axe or both not being Chokwe?

Lew

[Flavio]

Flavio

Are you referring to my axe or Naga's axe or both not being Chokwe?

Lew


No Lew, yours is clearly (and a very nice) chokwe axe :)

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

Seems to be a good one !
Luc

[Mapico1]

Hi,this is a Pendé axe from the 1930ies in my opinion,the one from Lew clearly Tsjokwé.Regards,Danny

[Lew]

Hi Danny

I see you finally joined the forum Welcome to our world :D


Lew