Wire work axe

[Ron Anderson]

Hi Tim/Graeme

I would say that these are certainly fine, both pieces. Not your everyday Zulu axe.

Though Graeme's is finer, that bronze blade is something quite extraordinary I think for any African item.

I would think Graeme is right on this. These must have been carried by people of importance, but that doesn't mean they are strictly ceremonial pieces. Of course, both Zulu and Swazi are very big on their "traditional weapons" even today, so it's not at all a stretch to see these belonging to dignitaries, even royalty. But they wouldn't be traditional weapons if they were not functioning weapons, not in those societies.

My guess is that Graeme's in particular belonged to someone of importance, perhaps royalty, or a chief. And Tim's is likewise of a quality that wouldn't be seen often.

I'm surprised at the bronze blade. I don't believe I've ever seen a bronze weapon from that part of the world. Iron, certainly. Steel, certainly. Bronze –no.

And I can't ever recall seeing bronze Zulu (in fact, South African) artefacts or curios either.

Do either of you have any sense of what the age of your axe might be?

I would place them well into the era of white rule.