Oceanian axe identification

[Pinocchio]

Hi everybody,
Anyone can identify this axe ?
Thanks

[Tim Simmons]

I am looking through my books on South Seas Pacific Island cultures and hope to help but my first thoughts are/were this may be African. Something about the wood and the chip showing the wood texture, does not look like the usual wood of the islands but still looking.

[Tim Simmons]

I am sure I have an illustration of this form of axe harft. I think it is from one of the Vanuatu Islands.

[Pinocchio]

Thanks Tim,

I don’t think it is from Africa as it has a trader iron axe. African were making iron axes before the arrival of the European with was not the case with the melanesians. I think it’s more from this area.
Francois

[David]

I am sure I have an illustration of this form of axe harft. I think it is from one of the Vanuatu Islands.
Tim, i think you are on to something. These are all identified as Vanuatu Island axes.

[LJ]

How about the Bismarck Archipelago (New Britain or New Ireland) ?

[Tim Simmons]

Quite possible.

[Pinocchio]

I know the ones with the cage at the bottom but this one is quiet different .