Karamajong aces from Uganda

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Elizabeth,
While I think that David and Tim have much more expertise in these African weapons than I do, I always welcome the opportunity to do some checking on my own and offer some observations.

Using the link of the axe illustrated, I looked into Ugandan examples in "African Weapons" by Fischer & Zirngibl (#60,61). These have the head characteristically inserted into the haft, and seem to have as usual variations of axe head shapes. In the reference it is suggested that these axes, as well as your example by the illustration, are likely of Acholi tribe or allied subtribes northern Uganda. The examples illustrated in the resource noted both have different head shapes, but these were collected in the first decade of the 20th century.
The head on the axe you have shown seems very much like those on cult axes of the Songe, to the southwest in the Congo.

Like most ethnographic weapons, especially those in Africa, it is very difficult to assess date as there variations within tribal weapon groups often reflect subtle symbolic and artistic expression, especially in ceremonial pieces like this. Given the figures reflected in the haft, I think looking into the art of the Acholi, whose royal lineages are of Nilotic Luo derivation (Lokal, Lokeer or Lobito, ref: "The Middle Age of African History" ed.Roland Oliver, Nairobi, 1967, p.53) might give some clues.

Concerning how long these particular weapons have been produced, this would be even more difficult. Virtually all provenanced examples are those collected by exploration late in the 19th century and into the 20th. In these tribal cultures, though some pieces are revered in tradition and ceremony and these held along with local legend and often folklore, most weapons used have not survived from early times. We do know that the Luo culture in Ugandan regions derived from Nilotic incursions beginning about early 16th century if I understand correctly, so possibly looking into that aspect might prove useful.

Just my observations and hope of some help.

All best regards,
Jim