Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0493-0207   CAS 0493-0207; Axe
Category Tools & Implements
Object Name Axe
Culture Gabra
Global Region Sub-Saharan Africa
Country Kenya
State/Prov./Dist. Meikona, Gabraland
County
Other Geographic Data Meikona, Gabraland
Maker's Name Female owner’s nephew (name not recorded)
Date of Manufacture 1975
Collection Name Torry Collection (Gabra)
Materials Metal: Iron; Wood
Description Axe consisting of wooden handle carved from single piece of wood; Shaft is cylindrical, expanding to a club-like distal end; A rectangular hole is cut into the lower edge of the shaft, near the distal end and the hole gets increasing smaller as it reaches the opposite side of the handle; Hand-forged flat, double-edged, iron blade with narrow elongated proximal end is fitted securely into the rectangular cutout, with no evidence of any adhesives or cross-pegs to hold it in place; According to field notes, the Gabra acquired this and similar axe heads from Konso blacksmiths.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 22.0, Thickness = 4.1, Length = 52.1