VERY FINE ZULU BATTLE AXE

Anglo-Zulu War of 1889. 17‰۝ length of characteristic form with bulbous head wood haft mounting a T shaped iron blade. The haft entirely encased in fine woven copper wire work including the flared butt and rounded front. One very small separation at the front only. The blade also showing finest craftsmanship and elegant form. The support slightly expanding from the haft toward and flaring at the junction with the bit. The bit also flared at the junction producing a fine ridge on both sides. We‰۪ve never seen that feature elsewhere, nor have we seen any Zulu metalwork of this quality. Zulu smiths were feared outcasts said to quench their spears in human fat. The quality of this axe indicates that it was made for a person of great importance.