Long handled axe with shell inlay, Solomon Islands

These long-handled axes are a fusion of Western and indigenous technology.  Iron, whether in the form of a simple nail or prized axe blade, was highly sort after.  The axe blades were an essential trade item, either imported by early explorers and traders from England or as occurred in some cases, a blacksmith accompanied the ship to manufacture more blades. ” The development of long-handled axes, whether ornamental or not, impacted customary practices n the west Solomon Islands. Warfare provided a context wherein ornamented axes could be displayed as power objects indicative of social status and prestige of the owner” ( Solomon Islands Art: The Conru Collection by Deborah Waite and Kevin Conru 2008 )

This axe has the letter “L” stamped into the blade and nautilus shell inlay to the head of the club.