Superb Tiv ceremonial Axe. Old, rare and used tribal example. 50cm tall. Nigeria

  

Beautiful Tiv Bronze and Iron metal ceremonial Axe. The Tiv people are found mainly in Nigeria and Cameroon. In Nigeria, where this Tiv ceremonial Axe originate from, they live on both sides of the Benue River in Nigerian States of Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Plateau, Adamawa, Cross River and Abuja. They speak a language of the Benue-Congo branch of the Niger-Congo family. An amazing and authentic example of the iconic and rare Tiv ceremonial axe.

These rare and cherished items feature a figurative theme. The Axe displays an upper head section with a face moulded in bronze and a corroded metal blade emanating from the mouth symbolising a tongue. Below the head holding the blade is an adjoining neck cast in bronze. Directly beneath the neck section is a middle tubular section made of iron metal. Underneath the middle tubular metal section is a handle butt section made of bronze and terminating in an ornate and decorative circular finial. Attention to details is super and commendable with the axe displaying good form, symmetry and balance.

Attractive patination from age and use. Axe is estimated to be decades old from provenance and history of ownership available to me. Rare, highly sought-after and collectible artefact. These Ceremonial axes were used in Tiv healing and cleansing rituals. The bronze sections are made using the lost wax method.

Usually, only men of wealth and important members of society enjoy the privilege of carrying and using these implements after they are consecrated in healing and cleansing ceremonies. Indeed the blade section, emanating from the mouth of the figurative head of the axe, accentuates the link between effective leadership and influential speech as it symbolically portrays the tongue.

The words of leaders wielding the Axe are then deemed authoritative and wise as speech and incantations are powerful communicative tools in Tiv society. Blade section extends 16cm outwards. We sometime therefore send items, especially big items, directly from where they were field-collected as this saves duplication of cost and effort for us. This item is in the category "Antiques\Ethnographic Antiques\African".

The seller is "yemisi-gallery" and is located in this country: GB. This item can be shipped to all countries in Europe, United States, Japan.

1. Primary Material: Bronze
2. Antique: Yes
3. Original/ Repro: Original
4. Product: Swords/ Armour
5. Region of Origin: African
6. Age: Post-1940