Ceremonial axe

Known as a kenduaubu or dikurugu, this beautiful and ancient example of a ceremonial axe consists of a large, fine stone counterbalanced by a flared wooden end, and beautifully connected to the handle by a fine rattan weave.
High-quality stone axe blades were valuable and could be traded or used in many forms of payment.
When a large stone was fashioned and attached to an axe, it was considered an object of wealth rather than a simple tool.

Expressing the craftsmanship of the peoples of the western highlands of Papua New Guinea, this ceremonial axe is characterized by its impressive size and the majesty of its flat, carved and polished peridotite stone blade. The blades used for these axes came from quarries located mainly in the Mount Hagen geo-cultural area, in the Jimi, Wahgi and Asaro regions.

The wooden axle on which the blade is mounted is beautifully rounded, with the rear end featuring a flared projection acting as a counterweight, the surface adorned with fine basketwork.

Price: €2,800