This high status battleaxe dates to the late 19th Century and originates from Eritrea. The axe has a beautifully carved hardwood haft and has a wonderful age patina. The haft is elaborately carved with geometric designs and has a leather grip.
The hand forged iron blade is also intricately decorated with chiselled geometric designs. This would have been a very high status weapon.
The iron axe head measures 37cm in length and the haft is 49cm long.
The axe shows both age and use and the haft has been broken and repaired in the past. The haft has also suffered from woodworm but this again is old damage and the wood is free from pests.
The axe head is in fine condition and has the beautiful dark colour of old iron.
This is a rare and interesting tribal artefact.
