Hatchet Handle
About this object
History of use
Shaft from hatchet; blade now missing. Hatches had a variety of uses, such as cutting meat, bones, trees, branches or bushes. The brass tacks suggest a decorative or ceremonial use. Brass tacks are common within various forms of Chokwe art, masks, sculptures, and furniture.
Narrative
The collector, Nellie Taylor, served as a nursing missionary (1900-1920), first with the Ovimbundu at Bihe, then with the Chokwe at luma Kasai. She belonged to a group who sponsored several missions across Central Africa from 1881-1931.
Cultural context
utilitarian
Physical description
Light brown wood shaft with a slightly flared butt end that continues into an upturned angled knob end which is elbow-like, and randomly pierced with brass-headed tacks and one silver metal one. Both ends darkly coloured. Shaft's circumference above knob end is wrapped with brass wire and pierced with three brass nails. Knob's base has large hole at angle into centre.
Categories
Materials
Date Made
Before 1920
Date Acquired
12 Jan 1979
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Measurements
Overall: 41.8 cm x 3.3 cm x 5.3 cm
Object Number
Ac242