Prestige Knife in Sheath
Baule, Ivory Coast
Iron, wood, leather, spondylus shells, brass tacks, cotton
Early 20th century

Baule prestige blades were renowned for their balanced, harmonious design, expert forging, and lavish decoration. To increase their potency, these weapons were subjected to a sacrificial consecration on the anvil by the blacksmith, in the presence of the customer.

According to Cornelia Rink-Hollnberger, the shells attached to the leather-covered wood sheath belong to the spondylus family, and while they are naturally red, they were polished by the Baule to give them a smoother surface and to emphasize their color (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Zirngibl, "Rare African Short Weapons," 1983).

15.5 in :: 39.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1537

SOLD