African Sword - Baule?
 

23" overall. Well-made and very sharp double edge blade.

My word that is superb. Stunning. Beautiful. Could turn you mad. :eek: :eek: :cool:

What are the red thangs...
 

On the scabbard?

They look like I don't want to know.

Thanks Tim. I have heard that quality Baule swords and rare. Is this your understanding as well?



Ha ha. They are dyed sea shells that have been worn smooth and dyed some more. Does look like something from Apocalypto!

WONDERFUL W :cool: :cool: :cool: W

Bill, that's one hell of a sword ! Yep....now you got me jealous :mad: :D ;)

I found a similar sword in the book 'Afrikanische Waffen' by Werner Fischer and Manfred A. Zirngibl (1978). It's almost similar to yours.

The shells on the sheath belong to the spondylus-family. They are naturally red, but are polished in order to give them a smooth surface before using them as a decorative addition.

Here's the pic from their book :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...uman/Baule.jpg

Uh oh!

:shrug: ;)

Thanks

A top one !
Great.
Luc

Bill

That is a great piece.

Congrats


Lew