Harold Tovish, Ceremonial Axe Head, 1977, bronze on wood base, 7 1⁄8 x 13 1⁄2 x 1 1⁄2 in. (18.1 x 34.4 x 3.9 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Sara Roby Foundation, 1986.6.80
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Ceremonial Axe Head
- Artist
- Date
- 1977
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 7 1⁄8 x 13 1⁄2 x 1 1⁄2 in. (18.1 x 34.4 x 3.9 cm.)
- Credit Line
- Gift of the Sara Roby Foundation
- Mediums Description
- bronze on wood base
- Classifications
- Subjects
- 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.
Works by this artist (24 items)
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Artist
Unidentified (Puerto Rican)
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