Sika Blawa Prestige Object: Lalié Dagger in Sheath
Baule, Ivory Coast
Wood, gold
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 one massive spondylus shell.

8 in :: 20.5 cm

InventoryID #13-2932

Price on Request