AN EXCELLENT SONGYE-NSAPO ADZE

Conogre · 18th May 2005, 05:16 AM

I'd tend to think that this one is almost entirely a status/rank related piece, such as would be carried by a chief or someone of extremely high rank, particularly designated by a chief for use in royal processions or courts than in a ceremonial/dance context.
While adzes are traditionally thought of primarily as tools, I don't think that there's any disputing that more practical forms were pressed into use as weapons at least occasionally if not regularly, and seemed to reach a symbolic level of power in Africa found nowhere else in the world.
That is probably one of the most beautiful examples that I've ever seen...congratulations on an exceptional aquisition!
Mike

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Threaded Mode

18th May 2005, 05:16 AM	#4
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	I'd tend to think that this one is almost entirely a status/rank related piece, such as would be carried by a chief or someone of extremely high rank, particularly designated by a chief for use in royal processions or courts than in a ceremonial/dance context. While adzes are traditionally thought of primarily as tools, I don't think that there's any disputing that more practical forms were pressed into use as weapons at least occasionally if not regularly, and seemed to reach a symbolic level of power in Africa found nowhere else in the world. That is probably one of the most beautiful examples that I've ever seen...congratulations on an exceptional aquisition! Mike