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EXCEPTIONAL CHIEF'S PRESTIGE PARADE AX (KILANDA). Songye people, Congo. This ax was held up during ceremonial parades by a man of high social standing and wealth. Marks of the prestige associated with it are the handle covered with bright, thin copper sheeting and the round copper medallion inserted in the iron blade. Note that the lower part of the handle has circumferential rings and the upper part of the shaft has a hammered texture. The center of the medallion is perforated to create the form of a Katanga cross, a copper ingot that was widely used as currency. The flared iron blade is also decorated with a filigree design created by a series of small holes and etched designs. Late 19th century. On custom base. Copper sheet over wood handle, copper medallion, iron blade. H 16in, blade 6in. Ex Dalton Somare collection, Milan, Italy. Ex collection of General Augusto Cermelli, Rome.