2 African Axes any ideas as to region

[katana]

Hi, :)
gained these two Axes from the Rydzewski Collection of Tribal Art. Rydzewski whom did ..."significant work in the advancement of Irrigation systems for developing countries ....." ( mostly in Africa )

These 2 axes came from his travels.

I believe he was mainly in West Africa and to me seems likely the axes were sourced there. One of the axe's haft is bowed 'into' the head ... has the wood 'warped' ...or is this type 'uncommon' or for a certain 'task' ? They are 49 cms and 56cms OAL

Comments and advice freely accepted :)

Regards David

[colin henshaw]

These type of utilitarian axes were used throughout Eastern, Central and Southern Africa. Maybe from Zambia or Zimbabwe.

Regards

[Jim McDougall]

Wheres Tim Simmons and Freddy on this ?

[katana]

They have arrived, some age and use evident. The larger weighs just over 2.5 kgs, the smaller 1.5 kgs. Blades are hand forged and heavy. Wood needed waxing as it was quite dry, nice used patina on the handles.

Although utilitarian these would easily 'double up' as very effective weapons, both are nicely balanced and easy to handle.

Thank you Colin for your reply, I thought as much, but was intriqued by the shaft 'bowing' in towards the head. Now I have handled it, I can see how it would improve cutting performance whilst cutting trees etc. (please accept my apologies for not replying sooner :( )



Regards David