African axe or fake?

[Nagawarrior]

Originally Posted by katana

Is the handle varnished, it looks like it in one of the photos? If it is... it could make a piece look 'plasticky' (another technical term which is bad English and spelling). Certainly wouldn't constitute a 'fake' because of it though.

Thanks all for your comments. The handle does seem so have a wax on it, I assume to preserve it. It gives it a nice patina. Perhaps one could think it to be a false patina to make the piece seem older?

Nice Chokwe axe Lew. I really appreciate the input. I can feel better about this piece I think.