Ceremonial axe (kilonda)
Artist Unidentified
20th century
Object PlaceDemocratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/TechniqueWood, metal (sheet copper covering handle, copper alloy on blade)
DimensionsOverall: 47 x 26 x 6 cm (18 1/2 x 10 1/4 x 2 3/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession number2009.2556
On View
Not on viewClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing
Collections
Songye blacksmiths are widely respected as the greatest masters of the forge, and used both hot and cold forging techniques to create ceremonial axes, or kilonda, like this one.
The kilonda's shape is inspired by functional weapons, but the multi-colored blade and the copper sheets that adorn the handle make it clear that this was a prestigious accessory for a powerful man- it was not intended to be used.
