Swazi 'Isezeze' battle axe
Measurements
Swazi "swallow tail" style battle axe. The Zulu & their close relatives the Swazi
used these axes. Originally they were reserved for military leaders of royal
blood. The difference between a Zulu axe and a Swazi is found in the haft. The
Zulu usually have a club-like haft, whereas the Swazi have a haft that has almost
no bulb at the joint & the haft extends past the joint for at least 5 inches.
Both peoples decorated the hafts and attachment points with intricately braided
brass and/or copper wire. This particular axe comes from the Dokolawo area of
Swaziland, in the time of Chief Malamlela Magagula.
length: 44 1/2"
axe face (along edge): 14 1/4"
blade width (center): 2"
blade point to back of shaft: 6 3/4"
weight: 1 lb 6.2 oz
