Two more African Axes for comment
 

Just received these 2 which I believe are from Tanzania and likely the Nyamwezi people.
They are very similar but slightly different carving on the hafts.
All comments welcome.
Stu

Hi Stu

Having zero knowledge of central/south African weapons and tools, a question:

What do you think is the reason for the upward curve of the rear portion of the axe blade ? Do you think it would have been sharpened like a knife for different cutting purposes than the axe bit portion ? Just curious.

Rick

Being at least equally ignorant of the subject, I'd say the purpose was twofold: first, it would be suitable for thrusting, in a situation where a swing would be difficult or too time-consuming; and second, it fulfills the needs of the African aesthetic - these are really beautiful designs, after all.

I doubt that the upturned side is designed as a cutting blade as all I have seen are blunt edged and the tips are rounded. Just the style I think.
There are other African axe types which also have a protrusion opposite the blade, which appears to be just the design
Stu