"Mbado" War Axe of the Venda Tribe

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Product Description for "Mbado" War Axe of the Venda Tribe

Maker: Heather Harvey, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 1280
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***
Blade length: 20.50 in.
Total length: 44.63 in.
Blade height (at heel): 1.31 in.
Blade thickness (near bolster): 0.15 in.
Item weight: 27.80 oz.
Blade: Antiqued "bubble and squeak" pattern Damascus by Heather Harvey, J.S.
Bolster: Copper and iron
Handle: Oryx horn
Style: Traditional African war axe
Description: The Venda are a small tribe in the Northern regions of South Africa. This particular axe was not used as a weapon as such, but rather as a magical instrument to bring success upon a battle and protection to their warriors. It possessed magical properties after being anointed with ware medicine by a witch doctor. After this, the axe became a sacred charm known as a "tsirovha". A special bearer lead a battle together with the generals from a lookout, from where he would observe events and continually swing the axe in the direction of the enemy as if to strike them down. The unusual profile of the axe makes it suitable for chopping, stabbing and slashing strokes.


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