Antique African Figural Ceremonial Shaman Axe Yoruba Nigeria West Africa

This rare antique ceremonial axe from Nigeria dates back to the late 19th to early 20th century. Used by shamans as a ceremonial accessory in the Bwami secret society's divination practices, this axe features a finely carved brown-dyed bone shaft adorned with three tribal figures.

The top figure represents an African woman with large breasts clad in a conical hat wrapped in twisted copper wire.

The image below portrays an African man with an erect phallus created from the rear spike of an iron axe blade and wrapped in twisted copper wire. He is also wearing a hat that resembles twisted copper wire.

The phallus is incorporated into the head carved at the base. It is positioned in the center of the forehead, which can be interpreted symbolically. This placement suggests that the man's mind is perpetually focused on sex, as represented by the phallus.

The back side of the base is also decorated with a male head, similar to the one on the front, with the difference that instead of a phallus, there is an axe blade in the middle of the forehead.

The hand-forged, iron axe blade is bound at its base with copper wire.

The phallus is a symbol of fertility in most tribal cultures.

CONDITION: It is in its original condition, showing signs of age and use, with a glossy patina. The iron blade is corroded.

MEASUREMENTS: Overall length 30 cm (11.81 inches).