SHONA (ZIMBABWE) SCORPION AXE 19TH CENTURY

19th century. 30” length. Hardwood haft with scraped and polished surface. Oval socket with concentric circle decoration, crescent form bit with forward facing top spike and leaf shape medially ridged fore spike. The spike base and both ends of the haft with fine basket weave wire work. Fine uniform dark glossy patina throughout. The Shona had limited involvement in slave trading but were themselves predated upon for the slave trade.