Victorian period Zulu War Selepe battle-axe blade.
Th complete battle-axe was traditionally known as a Selepe and was carried in the left hand behind a cowhide shield and the short stabbing Iklwa spear was carried in the right hand.
It would have also been used as a form of traditional money.
Lit.: "The Perfect Form - On the track of African Tribal Currency" - Robert Ballarini. Page 402