Axe
- Artist Culture
- Songye artist
- Date
- c.1850
- Material
- Iron, copper, brass, and wood
- associated with
- Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa
- Classification
- Arms & armor, metalwork
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- overall height: 16 3/4 in. (42.5 cm)
blade: 10 1/2 x 7 in. (26.7 x 17.8 cm)
handle, height: 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm)
handle, diameter at base: 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm) - Credit Line
- Gift of The May Department Stores Company
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 31:1966
NOTES
This axe consists of a copper-covered wood handle and three iron struts attached to a blade. Three embossed heads appear on the viewer's side of the axe with two more on the opposite side. The heads may represent masks used in Songye festivals, or they may symbolize peoples who were conquered by the Songye. Ceremonial weapons such as this one symbolized high office and were solely the property of chiefs.
Provenance
- 1966
The May Department Stores Company, St. Louis, MO, USA
1966 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by The May Department Stores Company [1]
Notes:
[1] A letter dated January 28, 1966 from Charles E. Buckley, director of the City Art Museum, to Morton D. May acknowledges the gift of this object as part of a larger donation [Director's Office, Donor Correspondence, Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control and Associate Members of the Board of the City Art Museum, January 27, 1966.
The May Department Stores Company, St. Louis, MO, USA
1966 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by The May Department Stores Company [1]
Notes:
[1] A letter dated January 28, 1966 from Charles E. Buckley, director of the City Art Museum, to Morton D. May acknowledges the gift of this object as part of a larger donation [Director's Office, Donor Correspondence, Archives, Saint Louis Art Museum]. Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control and Associate Members of the Board of the City Art Museum, January 27, 1966.