Islamic Axe for I D and Comment
 

Another interesting axe for comment and identification. After the unreached conclusion of the two axes recently posted by Atlantia, I am interested to see what the Members think about this one.
Some dimensions : Haft length 21 3/4" (555mm)
Blade width at cutting edge 2 1/8" (55mm)
Blade front to back 9 1/8" (232mm)
The haft appears to be a hardwood wrapped with brass and copper wire which is very neatly done. Additional decoration of brass domed nails. There is a brass chain attached between the blade and the haft.
The Cartouche in Arabic, which I have had translated reads:
HASSAN SAAD
BEN AHMED HASSAN
AKACHE AL
1307 (1889AD)
The Cartouche IS NOT a coin. The one sided bevel edge is not knurled, and the reverse is completely plain.
Could the wording AKACHE AL be AKACHE AL(geria)? There is a town/city in Algeria named Douar Akache.
What do you think?

Hey Stu,

Not much I can add but this look very similar to one on Gav's website. I find the form very interesting and reminescent of the Omani axe.

IT LOOKS GOOD TO ME, CONGRADULATIONS :) THE PATINA IS GOOD AND NOTHING NEW HAS BEEN RECENTLY ADDED, THE WORKMANSHIP AND MATERIALS ARE GOOD THROUGH- OUT. LOOKS LIKE A GOOD OLD PRESTIEGE ITEM NO DOUBT A TREASURED OBJECT TO ITS ORIGINAL OWNER. HOPEFULLY A MEMBER WITH MORE KNOWLEGE CAN SUPPLY MORE INFORMATION AS TO TRIBE AND ORIGIN. GOOD LUCK!

While African axes are not something I am overly familiar with, I am inclined to agree this is likely something Omani, and distinctly linked to the kinds of axes used by Bantu slavers mid 19th century both utilitarian and as weapons.
The wood seems similar to the axe which appears on Gavs site as noted, in which case the poll of the head extends through the haft.

The appears an embellished example, and the chain attached to the haft and linked to the aperture in the poll recall the chainguards on many Hadhramauti sa'ifs which would have been well known to Omani merchants in traffic to Zanzibar. The connections between the Bantu and Omani merchants in the slaving commerce is of course well established in these times.

This is plausibly the axe of a merchant of either Zanzibar or East Africa and likely an individual of status and clearly Muslim. The accoutrements of the Omani merchants were it would seem often well decorated and fashionable and this would have been a most attractively worn item.

All best regards,
Jim

Hi Stu
I just discovered that hypothesis,
that reaches completely what I suspected :p
I think that should be a good track ;)
all the best

à +

Dom

Well Stu,
you had faith in this from the start.
My twin theories of Ottoman coin or copy of, and North Afrcian axe bite the dust! :(

LOL, well done mate. A good addition to the Arabian museum ;)

Best Humble pie,
Gene

I would think this is from one of the tribes from the Congo definitely not Omani. The coin seems to be an old add on most Congolese axes did not come with pinned down heads. I will check my books and get back to you.

Do the Congo tribes often add the decorative chain ? I thought of the Omani's because of thier trading activity in East Africa, as well as the Banti type 'slavers' axes. The chain recalls those type chains on Hadhramauti sa'ifs, a feature likely often seen in the Arab trade routes to East Africa. This style axe in variation seems to be diffused through the Central African regions into the Sahel as far as I can see, but the decorative activity here seems Omani/East African to me.

TANZANIA??
 

There are two similar axes on a certain auction site, both described as Tanzanian. Tanzania is the modern name for the two countries Tanganyika and Zanzibar. I am picking Zanzibar as it has for many centuries been on the Arab trade routes.
So why not Oman, or at least a trader from there?
I did check with Gav and his comment was "african" but did not know exactly where.
Keep it going Gents. It's getting interesting. :)

Hi Guys,

With out exact axe references and replying on well documented artistic imagery alone, the axe you are referring that I have, has to my eye, many traits seen in artwork/carvings from the Kpeligue, Senufo, Ivory coast.
The timber is also of a similar nature.
I'll get together references and a description this weekend family sickness permitting.
These regions were well known for Eastern and Western slave trading.

Stu, perhaps a relic for the Arabian slave trading across the Sahara/sub Sahara to these regions on the Ivory Coast.

Gav

Thanks Gav for further ideas. I agree that to positively identify this (and probably other "african" axes) will be quite a task, but I guess that somwhere out there lies the answer. The Arabic cartouche does not appear to be a later addition, as the patina of all the metal/wire work appears to be the same. Also the pin holding the cartouche in place is the same which secures the blade to the haft. So from that we must assume some sort of Arabian connection, even if the style axe itself is not Arabian.
IF Tanganyika/Zanzibar can be proven, then my pick would be Zanzibar due to it's long association with Arabia on the old Dhow trade routes.

............I think the jury is still out..............and no humble pie required. Discussion and opinions are how we come to a result. :)

Here here.....lots of pondering is still required.

Gav

Here is a link about similar axes that were discussed on this forum :

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3277

I'm sure your axe is Tanzanian. The owner must have been 'islamized'. Nice axe, by the way. ;)

and here is a picture of a man with a double-bladed axe.

In the book 'De fer et de fierté' (African weapons from the Barbier-Mueller museum) the same picture is shown.
The author says the following ; "A Zaramo man with a double-bladed axe"

In the text, accompanying the picture, is also mentioned that such axes are found over a vast area, from Lake Tanganyika upto the coast of the Indian Ocean. These axes are the insignia of old men (titleholders).
The axes with fewer decoration were used for war.

The point on Tanzania is well placed, as Tanganyika and Zanzibar were the coupled countries that formed it. In "Battle Axes" (James D. Gamble, 1981, p.67) there is an axe of remarkably similar form, with the head projected through the haft and the spiked type poll protruding upward at the rear. The blade has primarily the same profile and this axe is identified as Basuto, from Tanzania.
Again, Bantu axes show similar features and are hafted in the same way, and while they are considered Central African these influences carried south to Zulu regions as well.

The trade denominator is key with viewing this axe, and many aspects of the history of these East African regions, especially Zanzibar. The lingua francia Swahili, is as I understand an amalgam linguistically of Arabian and Bantu. The Omani Sultanate of Zanzibar naturally sent its influences with the trade caravans into the African interior, and certainly received influences quid pro quo as traders returned. With these merchants, appearance and status was of course as essential as it is in todays corporate world, and affluence was represented in not only the traditional weapons such as the kattara sword, but certainly in these axes which reflect those they came in contact with in the interior.
The Omanis certainly were familiar with hafted axes such as the jerz (actually a tiny head on a walking stick type haft) and others on shorter haft, but adopting styles known in thier African interior environment certainly would carry impetus.
It is good to note that the wire wrap around the haft is a well known affectation seen on of course Persian and Arab sword hilts, as well as, again, the decorative chain . The copper wire is described in Elgood {"Arms and Armour of Arabia") as indicative of wealth. The use of brass studs or rivets is also noted, and seen on a number or weapon hilts.

Add these rather compelling factors to the obvious use of a decorative Islamic disc, and though possibly connected to Algeria, such items from the Maghreb naturally travelled the routes toward Arabia with Pilgrims going to Mecca.

In my opinion, an Omani merchants axe worn as an accoutrement element of status and fashioned after the axes of similar form from either the Tanzanian interior regions as noted, as well as perhaps from the forms used by Bantu slavers. The diffusion of these axe types obviously had no geographic or particular tribal boundaries so clearly could have moved westward as well. The slave trade moved westward and into the Sahara into West Africa, as well as eastward toward the routes to Tanzania and Zanzibar.

the Phantom :)

I'll keep it warm for later then. ;)

But seriously. I completely agree. The search for facts is what's important. Being proven wrong by the uncovering of the truth is still a victory of knowledge over ignorance, and that's what matters :)
In short I'm happy to be proven wrong if I learn something.

My small addition to this particular quest is that the 'medalion' with it's laurel wreath border and islamic script is something that is reminiscent of Ottoman coins. Including far flung ones from places like Egypt and Tunisia.
These coin designs sometimes survive in odd ways long after they have become an anacronism.
Look at tokens, gaming counters and the like made in European nations?

This experience with axes recently has shown me that I need to expand my knowledge in that area.
In fact axes, spears, shaft weapons in general. Too many subtle differences I was unaware of!

Gene,
I completely agree with Gav, and the whole purpose of these forums, at least as far as I understand, is to learn together by discussing. While friendly congratulations and admiration of a newly acquired weapon is pleasant and pleasing, I always look forward to those who make helpful comments and observations, especially if detailed thoughts and ideas are expressed.

Quite frankly I had not given much attention to African axes, and this one has provided great learning opportunity. Your observation on this disc or medallion or whatever it is ,perfectly well placed, and the great thing is that you always participate and are willing to learn as well, like me I look forward to other ideas, opinions and especially corrected material.

It will be interesting to see what the experts come up with on this axe, and we will all learn together as always :)

Keep on truckin' Gene!!!
All the best,
Jim

Some assumptions for discussion
 

Thank you Gentlemen for your comments and information so far.
I would now like to make some assumptions and would like some feedback on what you think.
1.We now seem to agree that this axe is from what is now modern day Tanzania, which of course was the name given to the combined countries of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
2. It is assumed that the language spoken in Tanganyika was some sort of african dialect.
3. Zanzibar was under the control of the Sultanate of Oman from 1698 until 1890 when the British interfered.
4. It is assumed that the language spoken in Zanzibar at that time would largely have been Arabic.
5.This axe has a cartouche in Arabic, so we assume that it "lived" in Zanzibar.
6. Assuming that the date 1307 (1889ad) on the cartouche is accurate, then this axe existed in Zanzibar under Omani rule, as the British did not take power until 1890.
If the above IS correct then this axe, although of african origin in design, is actually of Arabian (Omani) heritage. :) :)

It could just happen to be decorated with a found object. This form of axe is found over a vast area of Africa. There was an Arab outpost deep in East Africa, visited by Hanning and Burton in there search for the source of the Nile. I will add the name of it latter.

Stu,

Great that direction has been found but Zanzibar to my mind would not be correct for this axe, I would say mainland Africa as there was just as much influence on the ground there.
I'd be interested in thoughts from others with regards to your assumptons.

Gav

no objection at my point of view,
this demonstration makes sense :D

à +

Dom

Excellent synopsis of the established facts and presumptions collectively.
Perhaps this might serve well in reflecting on the note made concerning Arab outposts in East Africa.

1.Zanzibar became a part of the Sultanate of Oman, though as a trade center, it began as an Omani trade station, or outpost.
2. Zanzibar is located in East Africa
Therefore there were Arab outposts in East Africa as well as across the continent. This was one of the key factors in the diffusion of Islam both religiously and culturally. Eventually many of these outposts which were strategically along established trade routes developed into towns and eventually cities.

In considering the possible provenance of this axe, which it seems generally agreed to carry distinctly Islamic affectation, with a number of the features characteristically Arab, and even more defined as Omani. The typology of the axe itself seems however to correspond to forms well known throughout Central African tribal groups, with certain provenanced examples known to belong to Bantu slavers.
As we know that Bantu slavers were in league with the Omani slave trade operating out of Zanzibar as well as probably others, and we know that the routes frequented by these caravans headed for Zanzibar headed into what is now Tanzania enroute to Zanzibar. It stands to reason that axes of this type, known to be used by Bantu in Central African regions, probably diffused with trade and various interaction to contiguous regions and tribes through time.

The fact that this carries Islamic decoration and features does not distinguish it at Zanzibari, we can only assume that it is plausible it may have ended up there with an individual connected to the commerce situated there.
We cannot therefore call it an 'Omani' axe, as it is of a well established African tribal form geographically well dispersed, and known to be used by various tribes. The decoration, which resembles well known 'Arab' elements, may be from Omani sources, or Hadhramati, but the presumption to Oman is due to the connection to the known slave trade in Zanzibar.Also considered are the examples of these type axes attributed to Bantu slavers and examples from Tanzania (part of Zanzibar). Since Slaving was one of the key elements of commerce present in this sector of East Africa and Zanzibar the connections seem compelling.

It should be pointed out that Zanzibar itself was a trade metropolis by the middle of the 19th century with profound international and cultural diversity.
There are a number of weapons presumed to be from Zanzibar, however this does not seem to be their true origin. The Omani kattara for example was in the time of Richard Burton ("Book of the Sword" 1884) often considered a Zanzibar sword because of its prevalence there with Omani merchants. The curious dirk type weapon termed by Burton 'Zanzibar sword' was presumed so, again because of its prevalence there. These 'I' hilt weapons (similar to the European baselard) were improperly identified first by Demmin (1877), and later discovered to actually be a form of the s'boula from Morocco (confirmed by Buttin in 1933, discussed in my research 2003). Also typically classified as from Zanzibar (Buttin 1933) are the sa'if (known as nim'cha) with the hilt similar to the Moroccan form, but with a perpendicular ring on the crossguard. These, though typically found in Yemen, are said to have been produced by armourers in Zanzibar using trade blades.

The key importance to this example referring to the Zanzibar sword is that the geographically wide separation and appearance of these weapons illustrates tne vast distances and dynamics of the trade networks, and an interesting connection that reflects this is the presence of these same type weapons in Ethiopia.
It should be noted that while Ethiopia (then Abyssinia) was primarily Christian, Harar and its regions were nominally Muslim, as was Somalia, other points of trade where Arab outposts were quite present.

In conclusion I would restate that this axe could be from one of many East African locations where Arab influence prevailed , and probably in association with Omani slave trade merchants. It seems to be decorated in accord with the merchants desire to reflect status, power and wealth much in the same manner as used by businessmen, leaders etc. through history and what seems a well known practice with the merchants of Oman.

Incidentally, John Hanning Speke was with Sir Richard Francis Burton in Somaliland in 1854, and they were also in Zanzibar.They discovered Lake Tanganyika in 1858 in thier quest for the Nile source.

Some Clarification
 

It was never my intention to say that this axe ORIGINATED in Zanzibar but that at some stage it "lived" there. As we are well aware from other threads, the existance of BORDERS as we know them, meant nothing to the tribes who inhabited the land, and it was not until the colonial powers started taking their "empires", that actual borders came into existance as we know them today. For the sake of agreement can we say that the axe comes from East Africa, and at some stage in its life has had some definate contact with the Arab world?

From " Manfred A. Zirngibl & Alexander, Panga na visu" very nice book. I think Ujiji was the furthest west Arab trading market.

Thanks Tim, I think this confirms Tanzania (Tanganyika).
Stu

Good discourse, and clarification.....well placed examples from Zirngibl/Alexander.
For those reading, it should be noted that Ujiji would have been a trade outpost in western Tanzania, and located near Lake Tanganyika. It was indeed near a slave trade route.

I think we agree that the axe is likely East African, and as noted has been embellished with Arab decoration, with the possibility that this derives from slave related commerce that corresponds to routes coming out of Zanzibar, part of the Sultanate of Oman, known for that particular activity.

Hi

An interesting African axe and good discussions on its potential origins etc. I would just like to add a few further points for conjecture :-

The axe is a recognised type from Tanzania and down into Mozambique, made by Africans. They were often "badges of office" used by headmen or important personages and carried on the shoulder. The trade brass and copper wire, and brass upholstery nails, were common African adornment used on weapons.

As noted, this area of Eastern Africa was extensively penetrated in the 19th century by Arabs of Omani origin (also Swahili and Baluchi) slavers and ivory traders. They established an extensive network of transportation, settlements etc. Also alliances with African tribal leaders. The brass medallion with the Arabic inscriptions could well have been given to an African ally in their slaving/ivory trade, either as a gift for adornment or a "membership card" in their joint enterprise. Probably the trader kept a stock of these medallions for distribution as felt appropriate. I think it unlikely the axe was the property of an Arab in Zanzibar.

A couple of useful references on this topic are :-

"Armies of the Nineteenth Century : East Africa" by Chris Peers 2003
"African Axes" by Carl Gosta Widstrand

Regards

Hi Colin,

Could you recommend any other good in-print resources for axes/spears
please?

Thanks
Gene

to the "Gang"
I am surprised that nobody mentions that for a long Zanzibar attracted the greed of merchants Persian, Arabic, Portuguese and British, for its spices;
- clove (whose smuggle collection was convict by death penalty)
- nutmeg
- cinnamon
- ginger
- cardamom

be side to the slaves trade, the Omanis were great traders of spices, and the production of Zanzibar was in addition and in complement of their supplies coming from India
in 18th 19th century, spices was having value as well as it was ... gold,
that explained the Omanis's interest for the 25–50 kilometres (16–31 mi) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of numerous small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, informally referred to as Zanzibar), and Pemba

few references to dates
Zanzibar became a part of the Sultanate of Oman, though as a trade center, it began as an Omani trade station, or outpost, controlled by Omanis in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Britain established a protectorate (1890)

à +

Dom

Gentlemen, thank you for reiterating these points as mentioned previously in various points of the discussion, and reinforcing the classification of this axe as East African, with possible association to the slave trade commerce.

While the medallion clearly is likely to have been as noted, received in any number of circumstances in these trade routes, it seems likely to be applied as a symbol of wealth or status much as previously noted. The copper wire and brass studs are also adornments used to embellish accordingly and though the wire wrap is well known on the hilts of Arab, Persian and Indian sabres in degree it is unclear if its use through many instances tribally can be connected.

Can anyone think of other instances of decorative chain on these types of axes in Africa? As I mentioned, this is an affectation well known on many sa'if from the Hadhramaut regions and Yemen, which compellingly suggests that it would have been known with trade headed to Zanzibar. From there, again as previously noted, the Omani trade routes into the interior may haved carried the feature into tribal contact in these interactions.

While trade routes moved westerly into Tanzania and Ujiji, the Red Sea trade carried influences reciprocally from Arabia into Ethiopian regions as well. It is interesting to note that many Abyssinian shotel had Maria Theresa thalers hammered into their pommels. Perhaps the use of this medallion was used in the same sense as indication of wealth or power on this axe, and whether a coin or medallion would have been irrelevant, only its appearance.

I would say again here, the repeated reference to Zanzibar here is simply to establish context for the slave trade caravans, which seem likely pertinant to the appearance of certain elements of decoration on this otherwise distinctly African axe form. As far as I can determine there is no suggestion that the axe is Omani, nor from Zanzibar.

Much further west. Islamic influence city. From "Waffen aus Zentral-Afrika"

Can anyone think of other instances of decorative chain on these types of axes in Africa? As I mentioned, this is an affectation well known on many sa'if from the Hadhramaut regions and Yemen, which compellingly suggests that it would have been known with trade headed to Zanzibar. From there, again as previously noted, the Omani trade routes into the interior may haved carried the feature into tribal contact in these interactions.

Hi Jim and thanks so much for your forward thinking comments. :)
There is another axe of similar shape on a certain auction site, (still live, so I can't post a pic). This axe also has a chain attaching ring on the pole, but no chain. Otherwise it is plain apart from what looks like a wrap of silver? on the haft. So it would appear that my axe is not alone in having (at least) an anchor for a chain.
Regards Stuart

Absolutely! The Kanem-Bornu Empire which was later subjugated by the Fulani Jihad was indeed Islamically influenced! Nicely done!

These points were key to the routes headed westward to Mali, and Timbuktu, long the center of Islamic scholarship, trade and culture in North Africa. In other discussions we have noted the similarity of the cylindric hilt sabres of the Manding in Mali to the Omani kattara.Though the direct connection remains unproven, it is another reflection of influences plausibly carried by the trade routes. Excellent example, thank you.

Crossed posts, thank you so much Stu!!! :)
Tim shows a great example here, good evidence that these decorative elements seem to have been applied to weapons carried by possibly persons of authority in these caravans. There also seems possibility that such weapons might have been produced for diplomatic purposes for interaction along the routes as perhaps presentation items to tribal chiefs in strategic locations.

Best regards,
Jim

Sorry Jim I used part of your previous comments and forgot to click "quote", hence it was not boxed.
I know that it is NOT a weapon, although it probably was considered so by those who were taken, but the course of slavery within Africa is an interesting subject on it's own! Sadly not to be discussed here!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have responded to my original query.
Regards Stuart

No problem Stu! Actually I think these were weapons in the sense that most utility items were, and these embellished examples were probably accoutrements representing authority, I just use the term weapon loosely.
Agree 100% no need to discuss this unfortunate enterprise of slavery here, and it is only mentioned in context in understanding the dynamics of the trade routes. I've been impressed by the candor of those participating in avoiding focus on the topic, and thank all of you very much for staying on track.

All best regards,
Jim

This thread has been fascinating - Jim, you are an encyclopedia of knowledge. :)

As has been mentioned, the axe form seems to be ubiquitous to Central Africa, appearing in one variation or another across a large swath of the continent. However, (some of) the embellishments are distinctly Arab in nature, leading to some speculation to a possible Omani origin - or at least Omani influence - vis-a-vis the Omani jurisdiction over Zanzibar.

I read with interest the mention of Tippu Tib and the Arab traders who penetrated deep into the interior of Africa from Zanzibar to the west (it should be noted these trade routes also extended southward from Gondokoro along the Upper Nile to the north).

When Stanley led the 1887 expedition to "rescue" Emin Pasha (a.k.a., Eduard Schnitzer), the successor to Charles Gordon as governor of Equatoria (lower Sudan), Tippu Tib accompanied them from Zanzibar with an entourage of 97 people, including traders, porters, and his harem.

However, of note is the route this expedition took. They did not travel eastward from Zanzibar westward across Tanzania. Rather, they sallied around the Cape of Good Hope and up the west coast of Africa to the mouth of the Congo River (no.1 on the map below), and mounted their expedition up the Congo, traveling east.

Tippu Tib had agreed to accept the offer of Belgian King Leopold II (and delivered by Stanley) to become the governor of the Stanley Falls district (no. 3 on the map below) of the Congo Free State (CFS), the Belgian mercantile colony that ran the length of the Congo River from the Atlantic to the Ituri Forest. As per his agreement and charter, he would be allowed to manage the trade from Stanley Falls, and to exploit local resources in the neighboring areas adjacent to his district, provided they were not part of the CFS.

When the expedition landed at the village of Yambuya (no.2 on the map below), they set up a fortified camp from where the main body of the expedition would travel overland through the Ituri Forest for the remainder of the trip. They averaged about five miles a day, and just three days out from Yambuya encountered trail markers belonging to other Arab slave traders.

In short, not only was the self-appointed "king" of the "Arab"* slave traders active in the heart of the Congo, but other Arab traders were also active in the area. The activity of these traders and the resulting sphere of interaction actually extended much further than Lake Tanganyika to the east, and thus, given the Islamic influence to the northwest and the accompaniment of Tippu Tib and his entourage from the mouth of the Congo River, the possible origin of the axe should IMO be considered to include pretty much the entirety of Central Africa.



*The terms "Arab" and "Turk" were used by Africans to describe any number of ethnographic peoples of mixed Turkish, Arab, and African descent who populated a wide region from Zanzibar in the west to the Sudan and Egypt to the north. Tippu Tib, for instance, was born to an Omani mother and a Swahili father.

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