1: A ceremonial/prestige axe belonging to a chief of the Chokwe people or their neighbours, the Luena (Angola, Zambia, Congo). The elaborately constructed iron blade is double-sided, each side decorated with the dot-line motifs of lizard/dragon or crocodile and two crosses. Also elaborately decorated on both sides with deep chip-carvings (triangles, grids and lines) is the head of the otherwise smooth, round handle made of reddish wood. An extremely beautiful piece. H: H: 48 cm (handle), W: 25 cm (blade).
2: A so-called ‘bird’s head’ knife belonging to the Fang, Kota and other Tribes in Gabon and in neighbouring Congo. A classic example of this knife typology (which, in fact, belongs to the category of projectiles). The iron blade is forged in the shape of a hornbill’s head. Replete with a triangular ‘eye’. One side of the blade of this valuable prestige knife is engraved — with straight lines at the edges as well as with lanceolate, zigzag and wave shapes. The ‘thorn’ at the back of the knife and the elegant tapering hilt are wrapped in brass wire. The conical pommel is plated with sheet brass. H: 32 cm, W: 31.5 cm (the bird’s head blade).
3: A ceremonial knife of the Mongo, Konda, Kundu or other neighbouring tribes in south-western Congo. Large, wide, pointed double-edged iron blade. Centrally retracted, rounded, wooden hilt. The accentuated, straight middle ridge of the big knife is decorated with fine, punched-out dots. As are also the surfaces near the middle ridge: depicting a fish, two stars and the inscription ‘L. 9–12–55.’ on the one side, and on the other — an insect and three stars. An interesting, visibly fine and carefully crafted object. With good, old usage patina (on the hilt). L: H: 56 cm (in total), W: 13 cm (blade).
All ceremonial weapons in this mixed lot are old and of exceptional quality. First half to mid-20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Belgian Private Collection. 'Afrikanische Waffen' by Fischer & Zirngibl, ill. 318, 341, 343, 345, 346; 'Panga na visu' by Zirngibl & Kubetz, ill. 189, 190, 612, 614; ‘Beaute Fatale. Armes d’Afrique Centrale’ by Duvosquel & Deraeve, ill. 177, 389, 390, 496.