A SONGYE WROUGHT IRON CEREMONIAL AXE, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, with a shaped crescent form blade on three flat struts centering rows of three bearded masks in relief reversing to struts with matching bearded masks, alternating stylized rope twist iron cording and culminating on an animal skin wrapped wood handle, length: 21", blade length: 16". NOTE: These axes were primarily used by Songye chieftans as symbols of power and high standing in their community. While other peoples made similar axes for the same purpose, the Songye people's are more elaborate with masks on both sides of the struts and additional details such as the rope twist cording found on this axe.