TEKE, REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

‍

In the hands of Téké, Mfinu and Laali chiefs, prestige axes are potent symbols of authority, projecting an aura of power both martial and personal. Their distinctive blades, with a broad face and linear connecting bar, are made of hammered iron, and their stout hilts of hardwood. Some axes feature finials in the forms of human heads at the blade junction; others show a recurved, fish-like shape as seen here.

Metal details are plentiful and typical on these axes. This example is liberally adorned with brass furniture tacks acquired through European trade – an indicator of status. The dramatic fusion of curved and straight forms in the design of this axe, combined with its thickness and weight, suggests a marked impression of tension and physical strength.

In Iron and Pride (2003), Jan Elsen writes about a similar axe from the collection of the Barbier-Mueller Museum: “Like the famous brass necklaces, the weapon is an integral part of the parade dress of chiefs. Contrary to what one might think, these axes give, once in hand, a feeling of ultimate swinging, they were certainly formidable weapons.”