Baule Lost-Wax Copper-Alloy Prestige Anklet, Côte d’Ivoire, c. 1900–1930

A large Baule prestige anklet or ankle ornament from Côte d’Ivoire, cast in copper alloy using the lost-wax process. The hollow C-form body has a densely ridged surface, punctuated by applied concentric motifs and grouped bosses. Its pronounced scale and weight identify it as a prestige ornament rather than an item intended for ordinary contemporary wear.

Comparable Baule anklets are documented in museum collections and specialist literature, including Angela Fisher’s Africa Adorned. The surface retains an aged dark brown and ochre patina, with oxidation, wear, casting irregularities and localised openings or losses to the hollow body. These condition features are clearly illustrated and are consistent with an early ethnographic metal object.

SKU: EG 152

Circa: 1900–1930

Provenance: Egon Guenther Collection; by descent to the Thomas Guenther Collection, Netherlands

Measurements: 14.9 cm diameter × 10.5 cm high

Weight: 1.209 kg