Couteau, Baulé, Côte d'Ivoire

Le fourreau en cuir cousu est flanqué de deux pochettes décorées de coquillages cauris et coques. La lame, portée par une poignée en bois d'acajou de forme balustre, était soumise à un rite sacrificiel par le forgeron pour assurer son efficacité. Belle patine brillante, brun rouge, de la poignée.

African Forms, NY, Dav., San Diego, Mt. H. et Cornell, 2001 - 2004

Good condition overall. Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Thin crack on either side of hilt. Leather coming away from leather binding at top of sheath as evidenced by the catalogue illustration. Missing some stitches at reverse of sheath at lower end. Small crack at drilled (?) hole at lower end for suspension. Please note that the knife has not been removed from the sheath as it does not seem to come out readily.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.