Sika Blawa Prestige Object: Lalié Dagger in Sheath with Human Mandible
Baule, Ivory Coast
Wood, gold leaf
Early 20th century

This object, known as Sika Blawa, is a wooden sculpture covered in attractively-designed grooves that are designed to help a thin layer of gold leaf cling to the entire surface. When covered in gold leaf, the wood sculpture imitated a piece of solid gold, and was an object of high prestige. Such objects were brought out only at important ceremonial events, such as the funeral of a dignitary (AHDRC.com, Object ao-0187393-001).

This piece represents a Lalié dagger adorned with a large spondylus shell and a human mandible. Historically, Baule daggers were known to be adorned with human jaw bones – it has been suggested that they perhaps symbolize virility or the spirit of the ancestors.

Like many Sika Blawa, this piece has been stripped of its original gold leaf coating. Only a small fragment remains on the back.

6.25 in :: 16 cm

InventoryID #13-2528

Not For Sale