Ceremonial Tiv Axe, Nigeria

Description of Significance:

This antique ceremonial axe, representative of the unique 'tongue-shaped blade' design, is a cultural artifact found across Western and Central Africa. Not meant for combat, these axes serve as distinguished symbols of leadership and influence, traditionally displayed over the shoulder by individuals of notable rank. Crafted from brass and iron, this particular piece was once used by the Kunav clan within the Tiv community, located in Nigeria's South Benue province. The Tiv people also have a tradition of incorporating ancient Neolithic forms of these axes into their sacred rituals.

Origin:

• Handcrafted for ceremonial use in Nigeria

Dimensions (in inches):

• Depth including the base: 5.5"
• Width including the base: 12"
• Height including the base: 21"

Materials: 

• Mixed metals

Display:

• This piece includes the custom base in the photos.

About Antique African Art:

Hemingway Gallery regards antique African art as the best artistic expression of aesthetic beauty and storytelling throughout the known history of art. Aside from artistic taste, African art accrues value in different ways than other genres, including use in ceremonial settings as well as age. 50 years can be regarded as old or antique when it comes to wood masks and totems. Hemingway Gallery provides both authoritative insight and context into each artifact in the collection, possessing and readily exhibiting direct, intimate knowledge of the source and pedigree. The goal is to preserve and curate one-of-a-kind artifacts of importance while creating a platform for the acquisition of spectacular unique pieces within financial reach.

Our Pricing:

Hemingway Gallery ethically sources all the fine art in our collection. Our pricing correlates directly to the asking prices of artists, artisans and art dealers in the various African countries we collect from and the costs of importing the artwork to the U.S. We need to change the idea that artists should be paid pennies for their fine art just because it comes from Africa. Paying a fair price in Africa  is our number one priority and our pricing reflects that. 

Shipping:

• Shipped with FedEx Ground: $45
• A declared value is included in the shipping so a signature is required for delivery.
• We ship around the world! Our website is still new and is not yet processing automatic international shipping rates. Please contact us directly for custom shipping quotes outside the mainland USA (including Hawaii and Alaska).

Further Information:

Please email us at info@hemingwayafricangallery.com or call 212-838-3650 with the SKU # for further information on this piece.