South Indian axe with double blade

South Indian axe. This piece has an unusual double blades head of considerable weight and strength. All surfaces are hand chiselled with animal and foliate scenes, both edges are still very sharp. The shaft is original to the piece and is of a type seen in weapons from the south Mysore region, carved wood with a shaped grip section, lacquered with bands of coloured purple red and green lacquer. Dating to the later 19th century this is an interesting piece to add to the south indian weapons collection. overall length 57 cms