A Baule Prestige Object, Dagger in a Sheath

Baule prestige object, dagger in scabbard Baule, Côte d'Ivoire Ohne Sockel / without base Wood. L 16 cm. Provenance: Helmut (1931-2021) and Marianne Zimmer, Zurich. "We cannot live without beautiful things" - this confession of a Baule could also come from the mouth of a Western art lover. Surrounding oneself with charming objects was a similarly fundamental concern for the Akan in the Republic of Ivory Coast as it is for collectors of African art. This Akan approach to life was expressed in finely crafted ritual figures as well as in lovingly decorated utilitarian objects. Miniature representations carved from wood serve as showpieces for Akan notables and are publicly presented as "beautiful objects" during festivities. The motifs depicted, here a pair of swords, always refer to persons, animals, or objects and stand for praiseworthy qualities or aphorisms. Further reading: Ross, Doran and Eisner, Georg (2008). The Gold of the Akan. Museum Liaunig. Neuhaus: Museum administration GmbH. CHF 50 / 100 EUR 50 / 100