Hache cérémonielle "kibiki" ou "kasolwa"

wood, metal, base

Beyond their role as prestige emblems, axes carry more profound messages in Luba royal ritual, playing a central role in the rites of "mbudye", the association responsible for inducting persons into royal office.

In a symbolic sense, the axes "clear the way" for a functioning society with intact social and moral values. The engravings on the axe blades are called "ntapo", they also serve to convey certain messages.