Baule Prestige Knife with Gold Leaf Covered handle

Baule people were masters of gold covered wood objects, including knives and swords handles.

The Prestige knife offered here is a good example of the baule gold art. Such knives were an important part of the attire of chiefs and other high rank people in the society.

Thin blade with down curving spine. Wood handle covered with thin gold leaf hammered into the engraving on the wood. Raw hide scabbard with the classical red painted shells attached to it.

Blade 5 ½ inches (14 cm). Total length 10 ½ inches (27 cm). Good condition. Authentic and Rare.