Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;2manybooks, post: 10057414, member: 8267&quot;]This particular type of &quot;prestige axe&quot; - with a human head or full figure at the top, and the vertical blade issuing from the mouth - is associated with the Luba people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC - formerly Zaire). But the form was widely copied by other groups in the region. Such axes would be used as signifiers of rank and position, and were displayed by being worn over the shoulder (the blade hanging toward the back and the handle on the chest).</p><p><br /></p><p>The blade was usually made of locally forged iron, rather than bronze or copper, iron being considered the more significant metal.</p><p><br /></p><p>While the figure on Ranger Rick&#039;s axe copies a typical posture of similar Luba axes, the carving is rather indifferent, particularly the face. It is the type of object that would be attractive to tourists and less discriminating collectors, and therefore something likely to be reproduced for sale.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in