Page 255 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

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CLO

Copper-sheathed handle

◀ CONGOLESE AX
Decorative inlay Date 19th century THING AND WEAPONS
Origin Congo Basin
Weight 3lb (1.35kg)
Length 17in (42.8cm)
This ornate ceremonial ax is
of a type carried by chiefs of the
Songye people, from the southeast
Congo Basin. The hardwood haft
is entirely sheathed in copper, a
metal common in the region.

▲ WEST AFRICAN Openwork OF AFRICA AND
FIGHTING PICK
Covering iron blade
made of Date 19th century
hide Origin Ghana
Weight 1 ⁄2lb (0.65kg)
1
Length 20in (51cm)
The barbed head of this OCEANIA
unusual fighting pick would
have certainly caused a serious
wound, but made the weapon
potentially difficult to recover.

▲ MAORI CEREMONIAL TOKI Maori warriors used the toki, an adzelike
Date 19th century weapon with a transverse blade, as well as
clubs and taiahas (club-spears). This poutangata
Origin New Zealand (ceremonial) version has a blade of carved
pounamu (jade), a symbol of chieftainship. ◀ MELANESIAN CLUB
Date 19th century
Red bead
Origin Vanuatu
Cylindrical 1
hardwood shaft Weight 1 ⁄4lb (0.6kg)
Length 32in (82cm)
This lightweight, ceremonial
wooden club has a stylized
human face carved on each
side of the head. This kind
Human figure
carving of decoration is frequently
found across Oceania.
◀ TONGAN CLUB
Date 19th century
Origin Tonga
Weight 3lb (1.3kg)
Length 32in (82cm)
▲ POLYNESIAN “CUTLASS” Based on the ayudha katti of
This heavy, two-handed war club South India, this cleaverlike
is carved along its length with Date 19th century club’s triangular panels of geometric
geometric patterns, human figures, Origin Polynesia motifs are reminiscent of patterns
animals, and fish. The diamond- Weight 3 ⁄4lb (1.5kg) found in ceremonial weavings.
1
shaped head would have inflicted Length 30 ⁄2in (77.5cm)
1
a crushing blow to the skull.