21st October 2019, 09:57 PM | #1 |
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Baule Sword; check off the bucket list.
Like quite a few of us, I have items that I am looking for to place into my collection; I just acquired one of these, a Baule sword. The 1929 collection tag is interesting. Also, why are the shells, which appear to be rather common, seem to be a status or prestige item?
Last edited by drac2k; 22nd October 2019 at 12:46 AM. |
22nd October 2019, 11:56 AM | #2 |
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Try not to complete bucket lists: a person checking the last item is obligated to join the choir invisible:-)
Shells were monetary equivalents in Africa. This one might have been a local equivalent of a $1000 bill. Who knows... It is red and much bigger than a usual cowrie. To become a millionaire one had to spend a whole morning on a beach:-) Africans might have asked a similar question about our banknotes: pieces of paper with some bearded faces on them. |
22nd October 2019, 01:14 PM | #3 |
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A superb example of a Baule sword and in excellent condition. These are scarce under any circumstances, but especially in this condition.
Congrats...and if you ever decide to let it go... |
22nd October 2019, 03:25 PM | #4 |
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Thank you both for your kind comments.
Ariel, you are correct, all things are relative to time and perception; in the past one might have to spend many days on the beach to become wealthy, whereas now, one has to be rich prior to being able to spend time seaside. |
22nd October 2019, 08:02 PM | #5 |
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Before you fall prey to "completed list syndrome" there could be one more thing to go into that bucket: a copy of the catalogue of the "tentoonstelling van oude kunst" exhibition of 1929. I see that copies are offered for sale on the internet.
Wonder if your sword is illustrated in it? |
23rd October 2019, 04:35 AM | #6 |
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Wow, worth looking into!
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