Axe

This axe is described in the British Museum catalogue as belonging to the Leopard Society. It has a wooden handle, which is attached a flat metal blade. The blade has five curved metal spikes protruding from it; two from the top, and three from the bottom. It has a twisted fibre loop attached to the bottom of the handle. Items like this were used by the Human Leopards, to blame the deaths of their victims on wild animals.

Further Information

• Type: Religious/ritual equipment, charms, Weapons, armour
• Object: Axe
• Materials: Metal, Wood, Vegetable, organic fibre
• Culture Group: Mende
• Dimensions: 330mm [L] x 150mm [W] x 30mm [C]
• Production Date: Pre 1931
• Associated Places: Mendeland
• Associated People: E. S. Wales
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1931.1120.4

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