Baulé Sword, Circa 1900–1905

This Baoulé sword originates from Côte d’Ivoire. it was collected around 1900–1905, which corresponds to the golden age of blacksmithing in Africa, before the use of imported Western iron led to a decline in traditional blacksmithing techniques. In this case, it is indeed handcrafted steel made from local iron ore.
The blade shows signs of combat, confirming that it was used in war. A portion of the hilt, which is a slightly different color, is an old restoration that appears to be probably indigenous.
BLADE : It is leaf-shaped with a narrowing in the first third. According to some historians, this shape has its origins in the Roman pugio, to which the resemblance is evident. There were obviously contacts during Antiquity between the west coast of sub-Saharan Africa and the Romans (expeditions of Balbus and Paulinus), but the hypothesis of the survival of the Roman pugio’s shape in Côte d’Ivoire remains to be proven…
The blade thus begins by tapering, then widens significantly before forming the point. A pronounced central ridge runs from the shoulder to the tip of the blade, and the cutting edges are raised and offset from the central part of the blade, demonstrating a definite mastery of forging techniques.
Damages to the cutting edges, which are signs of combat, are clearly visible. Blade length = 32.5 cm, maximum width = 12 cm
HILT : It is made of hardwood and features a section that serves as a cross guard, one of whose branches is an old restoration.
The grip  then continues with bulb-shaped sections and ends with a small section over which the tip of the blade tang is folded
The age and authenticity of this weapon are undisputed, and this should excuse the historic restoration on a portion of the hilt. (The asking price takes this restoration into account.)
Ref 3Y-2654 Shipping costs: France €20, Europe €30