Ceremonial Axe Head

Copied Harold Tovish, Ceremonial Axe Head, 1977, bronze on wood base, 7 1813 121 12 in. (18.134.43.9 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Sara Roby Foundation, 1986.6.80

Artwork Details

Title
Ceremonial Axe Head
Date
1977
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
7 1813 121 12 in. (18.134.43.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of the Sara Roby Foundation
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze on wood base
Classifications
Keywords
  • Abstract
  • Figure — fragment — skull
  • Object — tool — axe
Object Number
1986.6.80

Artwork Description

Ceremonial Axe Head shows Harold Tovish’s concern with the relationship between humans and machines. For this piece, Tovish treated the bronze surface with a chemical coating to give it a weathered green color that resembles ritualistic jade pieces from Stone Age China. Although the tool appears “primitive” by modern standards, the shape of the axe warns us that even simple technology has the potential to destroy human lives.