Lot 24

African Songye or Luba Ceremonial Prestige Axe

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African Songye or Luba Ceremonial Prestige Axe

Current Bid: $5

(1 Bid)

by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
June 29, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
Live Auction
17020 Dover Road
Dundee, OH, US 44624

This ceremonial prestige axe, commonly referred to as a kilonda, is characteristic of the metalworking traditions of the Songye or Luba peoples of the Central African region. The item features a wide, fan-shaped blade made of hammered sheet brass. The blade is intricately decorated with multiple rows of hand-punched concentric circle motifs, framed by a scalloped and dotted border. The base of the blade is set into a bulbous, spindle-shaped wooden head and is secured by decorative brass rivets with toothed, star-shaped washers. The long, tapered handle is carved from a dense, dark hardwood with a smooth, polished finish, terminating at the pommel end with a simple brass ferrule. A handwritten paper tag is attached to the item with the inscription: 135 yrs old old African Ceremonial Axe. No maker marks or stamps are visible on the metal or wood.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $49 $5
$50 $99 $10
$100 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 + $500