Prestige Knife in Sheath
Baule, Ivory Coast
Forged iron, wood, antelope or goat skin, spondylus shells, brass tacks, rattan
Early 20th century

Unlike the knives of the Senufo, most Baule prestige knives were composed of high-quality iron that resisted the heavy rust and corrosion typical of the Senufo examples. 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. The hide covering the sheath was either antelope or goat (Elsen, De fer et de fierté, 2003; Zirngibl, " Rare African Short Weapons," 1983).

Mounted on a custom display stand (not pictured).

14 in :: 35.5 cm

InventoryID #13-1011

SOLD