Zulu Axe

katana · 22nd August 2006, 07:43 PM

Comparing the three axes posted......Tim's appears the most likely used as a weapon. The haft thickens at the axe head end, adding weight and providing a thicker fixing point for the head. The protruded 'blade' beyond the haft suggests it could be used as a stabbing impliment as well as the 'shield hooking' function mentioned on Freddy's post.

They are all nice examples....however, IMHO Tim's is the one I like the most....purely because it is more functional than ceremonial...

Freddy · 22nd August 2006, 07:51 PM

I agree with you. Tim's axe is the most functional piece.

The shaft of my axe is made of some kind of light wood. And also the decoration points more in the direction of a ceremonial piece, just like the one on the picture of the dance Chief Butheleze.

The Double D · 23rd August 2006, 07:20 PM

I agree that Tim's is most likely a weapon, where the other are most likely ceremonial. What they all share is basic blade shape, but not much else--chevron and shaft. Hafting is different.

Freddy could I impose upon you to scan in Knights biblography in a PM to me. I have learned since living here in South Africa that Knight is a writer and he has a circle of researchers and experts that he consults with. I found one gentlemen I have been shooting with is in that circle. Perhaps I will know someone on his list and can talk with them about this axe.

Chief Buthelezi is no dance chief. He is a direct descendant of Cetshwayo and is the chief of the 20,000 strong Buthelezi clan in the Zulu tribe and could be considered the first person in rank under King Zwelethini in the monarchy. His carrying of this type axe would seem significant. The picture posted was taken at the offical state ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the battle Isandlwana. It was also taken during a period of aparthied when the display of cultural weapons was an issue. I think this axe is something more than a cultural prop even though I don't think it is a true weapon. Just my WAG.

Freddy · 23rd August 2006, 08:51 PM

I will send you a scan of the bibliography of Ian Knight's book this weekend when I have more time.

Freddy

FourBlades · 24th August 2006, 03:34 AM

Double D,

That is a beautiful piece for sure. The way that the head is attached
to the shaft does not look like it would hold up under repeated blows in
use. It looks like the head of the axe would be pushed through the shaft.
It seems like more practical battle axes are attached using a ring surrounding
the shaft. But then I am no expert...

John

The Double D · 24th August 2006, 05:05 AM

Agreed Four blades, this a symbolic axe or scepter nothimg more.

Freddy, that would be great, and apppreciated.

The Double D · 13th September 2006, 06:53 PM

I have it on great authority that the axe in this picture and the axe that I acquired is in fact a Zulu War axe. It is used by a Zulu leader as a symbol of his authority to lead his people to war. It is a symbolic war axe and not a battle axe for fighting. It also is similiar but not the same as the Swazi axe in the same manner that the Zulu's and Swazi's are similiar and not the same, they are cousins.

My authority Chief Mangosuthu ("Gatsha") Buthelezi the gentlemen shown carrying the axe in this photo. I met him at a reception this evening. I felt like an hero worshipping schoolboy talking with him. As far as I am concerned this is the definitive word on this axe.

Is this not cool!!!

22nd August 2006, 07:43 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Comparing the three axes posted......Tim's appears the most likely used as a weapon. The haft thickens at the axe head end, adding weight and providing a thicker fixing point for the head. The protruded 'blade' beyond the haft suggests it could be used as a stabbing impliment as well as the 'shield hooking' function mentioned on Freddy's post. They are all nice examples....however, IMHO Tim's is the one I like the most....purely because it is more functional than ceremonial...

22nd August 2006, 07:51 PM	#2
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I agree with you. Tim's axe is the most functional piece. The shaft of my axe is made of some kind of light wood. And also the decoration points more in the direction of a ceremonial piece, just like the one on the picture of the dance Chief Butheleze.

23rd August 2006, 07:20 PM	#3
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	I agree that Tim's is most likely a weapon, where the other are most likely ceremonial. What they all share is basic blade shape, but not much else--chevron and shaft. Hafting is different. Freddy could I impose upon you to scan in Knights biblography in a PM to me. I have learned since living here in South Africa that Knight is a writer and he has a circle of researchers and experts that he consults with. I found one gentlemen I have been shooting with is in that circle. Perhaps I will know someone on his list and can talk with them about this axe. Chief Buthelezi is no dance chief. He is a direct descendant of Cetshwayo and is the chief of the 20,000 strong Buthelezi clan in the Zulu tribe and could be considered the first person in rank under King Zwelethini in the monarchy. His carrying of this type axe would seem significant. The picture posted was taken at the offical state ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the battle Isandlwana. It was also taken during a period of aparthied when the display of cultural weapons was an issue. I think this axe is something more than a cultural prop even though I don't think it is a true weapon. Just my WAG.

23rd August 2006, 08:51 PM	#4
Freddy Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sint-Amandsberg (near Ghent, Belgium) Posts: 830	I will send you a scan of the bibliography of Ian Knight's book this weekend when I have more time. Freddy

24th August 2006, 03:34 AM	#5
FourBlades Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 13	Double D, That is a beautiful piece for sure. The way that the head is attached to the shaft does not look like it would hold up under repeated blows in use. It looks like the head of the axe would be pushed through the shaft. It seems like more practical battle axes are attached using a ring surrounding the shaft. But then I am no expert... John

24th August 2006, 05:05 AM	#6
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	Agreed Four blades, this a symbolic axe or scepter nothimg more. Freddy, that would be great, and apppreciated.

13th September 2006, 06:53 PM	#7
The Double D Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: On the banks of Cut Bank Creek, Montana Posts: 189	I have it on great authority that the axe in this picture and the axe that I acquired is in fact a Zulu War axe. It is used by a Zulu leader as a symbol of his authority to lead his people to war. It is a symbolic war axe and not a battle axe for fighting. It also is similiar but not the same as the Swazi axe in the same manner that the Zulu's and Swazi's are similiar and not the same, they are cousins. My authority Chief Mangosuthu ("Gatsha") Buthelezi the gentlemen shown carrying the axe in this photo. I met him at a reception this evening. I felt like an hero worshipping schoolboy talking with him. As far as I am concerned this is the definitive word on this axe. Is this not cool!!!