Prestige Knife in Sheath
Baule, Ivory Coast
Iron, wood, leather, spondylus shells, brass
Late 19th / 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).

The bell on this examples rings in the tone of a high A. 

20.75 in :: 53 cm

InventoryID #13-1667

SOLD