Ethnographic Arms & Armour
 

Go Back   Ethnographic Arms & Armour > Discussion Forums > Ethnographic Weapons
FAQ Calendar Today's Posts Search

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 21st October 2019, 08:57 PM   #1
drac2k
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,230
Default 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?
Attached Images
         

Last edited by drac2k; 21st October 2019 at 11:46 PM.
drac2k is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22nd October 2019, 10:56 AM   #2
ariel
Member
 
ariel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 5,503
Default

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.
ariel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22nd October 2019, 12:14 PM   #3
CharlesS
Member
 
CharlesS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Greenville, NC
Posts: 1,857
Default

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...
CharlesS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22nd October 2019, 02:25 PM   #4
drac2k
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,230
Default

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.
drac2k is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 22nd October 2019, 07:02 PM   #5
LJ
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 93
Default

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?
LJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 23rd October 2019, 03:35 AM   #6
drac2k
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,230
Default

Wow, worth looking into!
drac2k is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:51 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Posts are regarded as being copyrighted by their authors and the act of posting material is deemed to be a granting of an irrevocable nonexclusive license for display here.