African bronze axe - Kuba?

[Gonzoadler]

Hello,

I received a convolute of some African edged weapons and this axe was one of them. The axe head seems to be made of bronze, the applications are made of brass and copper.
Total length: 46.5cm; length of the axe head: 17cm
Is it maybe a Kuba axe? Or was it made in another region? Which tribe could made it?
Also the age would be interesting for me. The axe seems to have some age, but personally I wouldn't say that is an antique piece. ;)
But I know here are some members with a good knowledge about african weapons who can estimate that.
I would be grateful for every comment.

Regards
Robin

[Gonzoadler]

more pictures:

[Tim Simmons]

There is an example of these dance axes in {Rare African Short Weapons. Manfred A . Zirngibl} said be be Malinke western Sudan. In this case I think that means a vast area westward of what we think of as South Sudan. Malinke
be a language used by people to the western seaboard of sub Saharan Africa.

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

This kind of axe is often attributed to the Toma people from Sierra Leone, branch of the Mandingo people.
More here Toma (http://www.memoire-africaine.com/armes3.html)

[Gonzoadler]

Many thanks for comments.

I have'nt found a similar piece, are these Toma axes rare?
And how old would you estimate my piece, Luc LEFEBVRE?

Regards

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

These are not really rare, many were made, also for the touristic market. Yours looks like something from mid XXth.

[Gonzoadler]

Thank you very much!
Yes, it is likely that my axe is for decoration/touristic purposes, too.