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Nzappa zap

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Ceremonial axe, Songe people, Honolulu Museum of Art, 3023

The Nzappa zap (also referred to as zappozap, kasuyu) is a traditional weapon from the Democratic Republic of the Congo similar to an axe or hatchet. It has an ornate wrought-iron blade connected to a club-like wooden handle, often clad in copper, bronze or brass. In practice, it is used much like the American tomahawk, both thrown for short distances and as a melee weapon in hand-to-hand combat. It differs from the usual axe style, in that the blade mounts to looping prongs that affix to the shaft.

See also

References

  • Joyce, Tom (1998). "African Art - Life Force at the Anvil". ArtMetal: Social Networking for the Metal Arts. Retrieved 9 August 2011.
  • Phyreblade (21 June 2007). "Nzappa zap!!". The Realm of the Dark Blade. Wordpress. Retrieved 9 August 2011.