Ornamental oshe axe

Metalworking

Mar 8

Written By Florence Okoye

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A wooden axe with a metal blade which splits into two sharp prongs on one side. The flat blade end has diamond shaped holes and is perforated with geometric decorations.

A wooden axe with a metal blade viewed from the front. The flat blade end has diamond shaped holes and is perforated with geometric decorations.

A wooden axe with a metal blade which splits into two sharp prongs on one side. This is a close up of the wooden handle, showing details of two prongs shaped like snake’s fangs descending from the head of the wooden handle.

This is a close up of the blade on the ornamental oshe axe. The designs on the blade are clearer to identify.

The blade consists of one piece of metal which goes through the handle. It is pick-axe like, slightly curved and diminishing in size to two points on one side, with a long straight blade culminating in a small blade on the other. The blade is decorated with circular and rectangular perforations, carved lines and indentations. The blade also has two inlays of a yellower metal – perhaps similar inlays existed in the other perforations.

This oshe axe was recorded as having been found in a store on 13/12/95. Oshe is associated with the Orisha of thunder and lightning, Shango, and are seen to represent swift and balanced justice.

There are a small number of axes in the collection and this one is particualarly intriguing. Detailed conservation notes have been incredibly helpful with material composition.

Although orishas are part of traditional Yoruba theology, axes were used in ceremonies throughout African religions. As part of my research, I also discovered notes on a 'Luguru axe' from Tanzania, East Africa in the collection. This reserach from James L. Bain[1], adds rich social context to this type of axe.

The top of the handle is more ornamentally carved but the patterns are abstract. Might these be symbols and if so, what do they mean?

[1] 'Basic Concepts of Life Accoring to the Luguru People of Eastern Tanzania' James L. Brain, State University College, New Paltz, NY, USA