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Old 21st October 2019, 08:57 PM   #1
drac2k
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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?
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Last edited by drac2k; 21st October 2019 at 11:46 PM.
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Old 22nd October 2019, 10:56 AM   #2
ariel
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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.
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Old 22nd October 2019, 12:14 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...
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Old 22nd October 2019, 02:25 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.
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Old 22nd October 2019, 07:02 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?
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Old 23rd October 2019, 03:35 AM   #6
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Wow, worth looking into!
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