Prestige Knife in Sheath
Baule, Ivory Coast
Iron, wood, leather, monitor, spondylus shells, pewter, rattan, cotton
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).

12.25 in :: 31 cm

InventoryID #13-1976

Price on Request