In 1934, the former director of the Biological Imperial Institute for Agriculture and Forestry (Biologische Reichsanstalt für Land- und Forstwirtschaft) Karl Braun (1870–1935) gave the so-called “Kolonialsammlung Braun” (Colonial Collection Braun) to the Hanseatic City of Stade, or rather its representative, the then mayor Hans Arthur Meyer (1884–1961). See the file „Transfer of a colonial collection from the senior government councillor Professor Dr. Karl Braun in Stade to the City of Stade” („Überlassung einer Kolonialsammlung vom Oberregierungsrat Professor Dr. Karl Braun in Stade an die Stadt Stade") at the Lower Saxony State Archives Stade (Niedersächsischen Landesarchiv Standort Stade).

source: Niedersächsisches Landesarchiv Standort Stade, Dep. 10 Nr. 03025

In 1997, the then city archivist Jürgen Bohmbach concludes a permanent loan agreement with the Museum Society Stade (Museumsverein Stade e.V.), for which the then director Gerd Mettjes signs. Thereafter, the collection from Karl Braun is transferred to the care of the Museum Society Stade (Museumsverein Stade e.V.).

source: Museen Stade, Vereinbarung Leihgabe "Brauns'sche Kolonialsammlung"

I: I want to ask you some few questions, here I have a photo registered with the number 2018_18298_001, can you tell us what is it? R: This is like a ‘nyengo’ but it is a type of panga (machete). It is used like a panga. This here is the handle and this is forged metal. Its handle is similar to that of nyengo. After the handle is carved, it is burned and then fixed there. Then you pull it out. When it is ready, there is a tree producing liquid drops like honey. It is burned or a skin is burnt, then inserted into the hole, so it sticks permanently to the handle. But this is a panga. I: How do you call it in your community? R: Panga. I: It is the same name, panga? R: It is a panga and there's no difference. I: Do the Bena community also call it panga? R: Yes, it is just a panga. I: Fine, people of which regions make such pangas? R: From Iringa to Njombe, Makete, even Mbea, these are used. I: Once it is made like this, does it look like nyengo and how is it used? R: It is for cutting grass and trees. I: Is it used until today? R: No. I: Why? R: They got lost a long time ago. I: Why did they get lost? R: Because now there are modern ones. I: If you want to use the panga, what else should you have to use with it? R: This one is short; you should have the nyengo and a jembe (hoe). I: So, they are all used together, and what gender mostly used such pangas? R: This was for all, because farming with these tools was for everyone, not just men. If someone went to the farm, what would they use? Since going to the shop, they were not available. They were only traditional ones. I: What years were those or do you remember the time? R: Many years ago. I: Don’t you remember your age at that time when such pangas were used? R: We have seen them since we were growing up. I: So the old people were using them since that time? R: Since long ago, it was their tradition. We used to see them but those who made them were old people. I: Around what age were those old people? R: Since they were old people, probably 40 years and above. I: Did young people use such pangas? R: When working, if a tool is at home, they must use it. I: So, those who made them were men? R: Yes, men, and not young men. For example, where they forged the metals, women were not allowed to pass. I: Why? R: The old men had their own taboo considering tradition. Even small children were not allowed there. I: What happened if women or children passed through? R: I don’t know; it was their secret. They wouldn’t tell until you reached their age. I: If you look at that panga, was it made of metal or steel and what else? R: It is like now when you take old pots and melt them, that’s how they made it. I: You said it is fixed to the wood? R: Yes, you carve wood like for nyengo, then you burn it to fit the panga. I: What kind of tree was used? R: Mostly bamboo, it is hard wood. I: If such a panga is brought today, how much would it cost? R: I should not lie. The price is what the craftsman sets.

source: Amani-Stade Project / Amani Field Research, Interview No. 10
author: I: Mohamed Seif, R: Anonymous