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.

[graeme gt]

Thanks guys very informative you might like this one its a tour de force on the wirework front i think its older.

[Ron Anderson]

Another very nice axe!

Definitely older.

I notice this wire isn't two-toned (two colours).

[Tim Simmons]

I have had this buried at the back of the toy box because at first glance it appears plain and dull. However on reappraisal and looking at the folding of the matal of the axe blade. It is clear that effort was key to forming this blade. An axe is a good weapon if steel is not the most abundant material to hand. I suspect this axe to be a throwing axe, but have not found any writing that mentions South African throwing axes. The reason I suspect this is that the blade is heavy and as the haft is short, does not feel comfortable to swing with any accurate control in one hand. Swing it to throw and it feels correct.

[Ron Anderson]

That's a very big toy box you've got their, Tim.

Will check up on throwing axes. Not too sure either. However, as you know, throwing knives are fairly common a little further north. And I've heard of the practice of throwing clubs.

[Tim Simmons]

Yes Ron, know about Southern African throwing clubs but not read anything about axes. Throwing spears and clubs, why not axes? I believe Zulu war was conducted with more than just a stabbing spear.

[Ron Anderson]

I do see what you mean.

For a land with such a relentlessly bloody history, and one that continues to be regarded as extremely violent, there does seem to be a shortage of weapons types. And of weapons innovation.

Contrast that to India – regarded as a spiritual haven, a land of enlightenment even. They had every conceivable weapon under the sun. Some of which boggle the imagination.

The problem I think is simply one of knowledge. I studied African history and the fact remains that it is still largely unwritten. History in South Africa in particular really begins with the European arrival.

South African societies have no writing tradition, but do have an oral tradition that hasn't really been explored all that deeply yet. The best way to assess whether or not a throwing axe was likely is to see whether other similar groups slightly north have throwing axes now. Basically, all Southern Africans (with the exception of Kalahari Bushmen) are Bantu-speaking. Their roots are much the same the same as other groups south of the equator. As people, they migrated fairly recently (it seems within the last 500 years or so).