The Nzappa zap (also referred to as zappozap, nsapo, kilonda, kasuyu) is a traditional weapon from 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. [1][2][3]

Songye people in 1947 with a protector statue. The Zappo Zaps were a group of Songye people from the eastern Kasaï region in what today is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They acted as allies of the Congo Free State authorities, while trading in ivory, rubber and slaves. [1] .

The Nzappa zap is a weapon from the Democratic Republic of the Congo that is one of the more unusual-looking throwing axes. The Nzappa zaps sometimes had an iron head with two or three human faces. The handle had the shape of a club with a round upper part. The head is attached to the club via struts, giving the weapon its unique design.

Get fast facts about the hatchet-like Congolese weapon known as the Nzappa zap.

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.

Jun 18, 2024 · It has an ornate wrought-iron blade connected to a club-like wooden handle, often clad in copper, bronze or brass. Largely ceremonial, it can be used much like the American tomahawk, both thrown for short distances and as a melee weapon in hand-to-hand combat.

Nzappa zap (axe), 19th or early 20th century . Iron, copper, and wood. overall: 14 5/8 in x 9 3/16 in x 2 1/8 in; 37.1 cm x 23.3 cm x 5.4 cm. Joseph Allen Skinner Museum, Mount Holyoke College. MH SK 2006.123.INV. View This Object In The Collections Database. Follow Us

Nzappa zap explained. The Nzappa zap (also referred to as zappozap, nsapo, kilonda, kasuyu) is a traditional weapon from the Congo similar to an axe or hatchet. Uses. It has an ornate wrought-iron blade connected to a club-like wooden handle, often clad in copper, bronze or brass.

'Nzappa Zap' axe from upper Congo. This ceremonial axe consists of an iron head with two twisted iron bands and a third middle band decorated with two human faces. The wooden handle is covered with copper. It is of the type usually carried by the chiefs of the Songye people.

Affixed to the Axe shaft, was a open cut Axe Head. Elaborate iron “arm extensions” (which actually helped to stabilize the weapon), were a trademark of The Nzappa Zap. The beveled edge had a 15-inch diameter, which featured the point ends facing “forward”. The weapons weighed around 8-pounds.