Lot 1150

Description

Congo, axe or Zappozap, an ornate iron headed axe with a wooden handle that has been covered with beaten copper (length 45cm), the axe head being composed of five spokes radiating from the handle, two of these are twisted into complicated loops, a human face is featured on the central spoke on each side of the axe. Very fine.

These axes were insignia of rank worn for parades and ceremonial display. They could not be owned by a commoner and although they represented wealth, they were not used as currency. Zappozaps take their name from a notorious brigand chief and slave trader (refer Quiggin, pp 63-64). $$ Ex P.Perekhist Collection, Spink Australia Sale 27 (lot 541).