id: 97090 accession number: 1916.739 share license status: Copyrighted url: https://clevelandart.org/art/1916.739 updated: 2023-03-03 07:01:17.753000 Ceremonial Axe, before 1916. Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Songye, 20th century. Iron, wood, and copper; overall: 26.7 cm (10 1/2 in.); handle: 43.2 cm (17 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.739 title: Ceremonial Axe title in original language: series: series in original language: creation date: before 1916 creation date earliest: 1910 creation date latest: 1916 current location: creditline: Gift of J. H. Wade copyright: --- culture: Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Songye, 20th century technique: iron, wood, and copper department: African Art collection: African Art type: Arms and Armor find spot: catalogue raisonne: --- CREATORS --- measurements: Overall: 26.7 cm (10 1/2 in.); Handle: 43.2 cm (17 in.) state of the work: edition of the work: support materials: inscriptions: --- CURRENT EXHIBITIONS --- LEGACY EXHIBITIONS --- PROVENANCE --- fun fact: digital description: wall description: Songye artists working in various metals produced a variety of ornamental objects, like this one used as an insignia of high office. Each column supporting the blade was decorated with a face, then forged, and twisted individually before being welded in place to create an intricate openwork design. The wooden handle is completely covered in copper, a precious metal reserved for rulers. --- RELATED WORKS --- CITATIONS --- IMAGES