Unusual Islamic Steel Axe with Calligraphy

An unusual Islamic steel axe, the head with pierced and unusual shaping with animal heads and other symbolic motifs. The long crescentic blade carved with  Arabic calligraphic panels to each side, which appear to be Shia invocations to Mohammed and Ali, the longer panel reading ‘Victory belongs to the almighty and ahead lies the biggest Victory’. The axe likely originates from Najaf in Iraq, dates to the 19th century. It’s smaller size and unsual appearance suggest it is is more of a ceremonial piece than a war axe as such, overall length 71 cms, the blade 23 approximately. The surface of the axe appears to have a very hard coating of something which lies over the steel itself, both blade and the shaft. Good overall condition, slight bending to the shaft in places