Early 19th century. 18 3/4” length, carved from a single piece of wood carved in the form of a ship’s carpenter’s axe identifiable to the early 19th century. Native made weapons replicated those seen in the hands of those seen in the hands of Europeans and are encountered occasionally, primarily among African cultures This axe was obviously copied from examples seen on sailing vessels which visited the islands. Shows wear and use with some age encrustation. The surface finished by scraping which is associated with pre-contact or early contact periods.
