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Hôtel des Ventes de Troyes
148
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Axe- Songye Nsapo - D.R. Congo -
Provenance: Private collect…
See original version (French)
148
-
Axe- Songye Nsapo - D.R. Congo -
Provenance: Private collect…
See original version (French)
Estimate €100 - €200
Voluntary lot
Description
Axe- Songye Nsapo - D.R. Congo -
Provenance: Private collection, Belgium
Size: 40 x 27 cm
Forged from iron and with a handle entirely sheathed in hammered copper, this remarkable prestige axe belongs to the corpus of ceremonial weapons used by the Songye Nsapo people of the south-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The openwork blade, with its elegantly developed contours, is combined with a central structure composed of twisted rods and forged rings, demonstrating a particularly refined metallurgical mastery. More than a weapon, this object was a badge of rank designed to assert the authority of its holder during ceremonies, political meetings or public events. The rich patina of the metal, the age of the copper cladding and the quality of the forging give the piece a remarkable presence. Axes of this type are among the most elaborate metallurgical products in Central Africa, and bear witness to the eminent status accorded to blacksmiths in Songye and neighbouring societies.
See original version (French)
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About the sale
ARTS OF AFRICA & OCEANIA: Three exceptional family collections
Auction location
Auction time
06/22/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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