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silla | antiques & art
(717) 708-9017
117 W Burd St. Shippensburg, PA 17257

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About us

silla was born out of a passion for beautiful objects: special pieces with aesthetic and historical significance. In 2009, after years of collecting, Andrew Silla and his wife Grace began to work privately with clients from their residence in Southern Maryland. Quickly outgrowing the space, the business was moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania in 2012 and after several warehouse location changes it was firmly settled in the present brick-and-mortar location in downtown Shippensburg.

The 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery is home to a large collection of works of art and estate jewelry. We specialize in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 with a particular emphasis on the Animaliers and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display.

Polish Ciupaga Shepherd's Axe

silla

Regular Price: $1,740.00

SKU:: 503YPK05N
UPC:
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catalog text

A FINE HISTORICAL CARPATHIAN CIUPAGA OR SHEPHERD'S AXE
Poland, probably 19th century

34 7/8" H x 5 1/4" W (head)

A holdover from the Middle Ages, the ciupaga shepherd's axe was at the same time a walking stick and a weapon. This largely became ceremonial over time and the ciupaga continues to be made even today. The present example is probably mid-19th century and features a brilliant burnt shaft that is formed by wrapping rope around the wood before burning it in order to simulate tiger-maple. It features nineteen tiny rings along the back and intricately engraved strapping below the beautifully engraved and only lightly worn axe-head. The shaft tapers into a sharply pointed steel ferrule. A fine quality example.

Condition: Brass head with light surface wear and mellow patination; shaft with minor abrasions and handling marks consistent with use; brass mounts with oxidation; ferrule intact with wear at tip.

ref. 503YPK05N