Cameroon,Bamileke? hand axe

[Tim Simmons]

Got this today, it was not cheap. One of those things you either buy or just forget you saw it. However i think it was probably a fare price as in my mind it is of museum quality. I cannot call it a knife. The blade is heavy and very sharp with no stabbing use, a small chopper or hand axe. Total length of the item 34cm. I pushed the boat out on this one, I think it was worth it. I doubt I will see one again. Just thought I would show you all.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/jamhappy/cam001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/jamhappy/cam002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/jamhappy/cam003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/jamhappy/cam004.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/jamhappy/cam007.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/jamhappy/cam006.jpg

[Lew]

[QUOTE=Tim Simmons]Got this today, it was not cheap. One of those things you either buy or just forget you saw it. However i think it was probably a fair price as in my mind it is of museum quality.

Tim

No fish and chips for a month for you my friend ;) A lovely piece now I am green with envy. :cool:

Lew

[Tim Simmons]

Thanks Lew. I did have fish and chips today. Now I shall have to miss around 53 portions, ouch!!!! :o

[katana]

Interesting... :cool: ...the carved head ..is it a lion? or human with lion features or other?
Way out of my price range.......still you've also made a shoal of fish happy....at least they wont get eaten for another month... ;) I suppose I'm a bit of a 'cheap SKATE'.......groan.... :rolleyes: :p

[Tim Simmons]

Ahh skate with capers :) Do not get me wrong I have been very naughty buying this. My wife bought some cloths not that long ago so maybe that was play on my mind. Boys toy expensive? Ladies like- shoes, jackets, bags, scarfs,jumpers, fancy tops, creams zzzzzzzzz.

PS. The human head and face with full cheeks is a common motif in Bamileke art.

PS. How long do ladies things last? I can sell this in ten years time. They do not think of that.

PS. Some people are happy to waste money on cars? I drive an old heap.

[Freddy]

Nice find, Tim.

By looking at the head on the handle, I would say Bamileke, Cameroon.

In 'Afrikanische Waffen' by Fisher & Zirngibl (1978), I found a knife which could be from the same origin. The authors identify this piece as Bali (Cameroon).

The author says : 'Cult knife with fur sheath, belonged to King Galega II'

Especially, the part of the handle near the blade looks similar.

Here's a pic :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v158/keris_hanuman/Baliknife.jpg

[Luc LEFEBVRE]

very nice one, never see before
luc

[Mapico1]

very nice OLD arm!
For sure Cameroun,Bamileke?or Bamun?or Bacham?
Doesn't matter...
Danny