Ceremonial axes served the function of a status symbol: a symbol of political and religious power. They differ from ordinary axes in that they had different blade types, and usually with blunt edges. Some axes were produced with two blades. The handles were carefully crafted and usually incorporated a female head or figure, and decorated with various shades which were either signatures or artistic patterns.
Stamps and Postal Products
1970 Zambian Traditional Crafts – 3n Ceremonial Axe
References
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Fire-Eaters – Blacksmiths and the Products of the Forge in Pre-Colonial Zambia – Mwelwa C. Musambachime
- Zambia’s Postage Stamps: The Post-Federation Stamp Issues of Northern Rhodesia (1963-1971) – A. R. Drysdall, J. Case