Advanced Search 
Prestige axe (ibia)
Mfinu / Laali / Mbochi / Kukuya / Téké
early 20th century
Object Place: Republic of the Congo; Democratic Republic of the Congo
Medium/Technique
Wood, iron, brass tacks, wire
Dimensions
Overall: 38 x 39 x 7 cm (14 15/16 x 15 3/8 x 2 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession Number2009.2664
CollectionsContemporary Art, Africa and Oceania
ClassificationsArms and armor
This Teke axe is adorned with European-made brass furniture tacks. European items such as tacks and buttons would be affixed to prestige items such as this one to elevate the status of its owner. Teke axes are noted for their similarities with Teke figurative sculptures that can feature both natural and abstracted human forms. This axe was likely made for ceremonial contexts.
Inscriptionshand written paper label taped on blade: "axe, Boma Balabo Tribe"
Provenance1985, sold by Michel Huguenin, Galerie Majestic, Paris, to Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)