A processional mining tool

A processional mining tool. From Saxony. Carved wooden handle with metal head, spiked at one end. The handle is carved with various shapes, including darker areas of shading, some detailed hearts are carved on it. The dark shading stops before the bottom of the handle.

Axes, such as these, were traditionally borne in procession as emblematic of their calling by the members of the miners' guilds in Saxony, Germany. They are all dated between 1664 and 1749, and the handles are engraved with views of mining operations.