Kilonda Ax - Songye Culture From Congo. Early 20th Century

Traditional weapon of the Songye of Congo resembling an ax (called nsapo, or kilonda). Wrought iron blade with a triangular shape in openwork iron and animated on both sides with incised anthropomorphic faces and two knots with strands finished in an ornate twist, connected to a club-type wooden handle, coated with copper. Largely ceremonial, it could be used much like a Native American tomahawk, both thrown over short distances and also in close combat. This weapon originated in the Haut-Congo region and was made by the Nsapo people who prospered industrially by working with iron and copper. The ax is made of wrought iron while the handle is made of wood covered with copper. This weapon caused a lot of damage when used in combat. Synonymous with power, the ax is usually carried by Songye chiefs. It is also used as currency. The etymology of this weapon is based on the name "Zappo Zap", a Songye tribal group once very active in the Congo Free State.

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