This very old, very used knife was used for Baule tribal ceremonial purposes, in Ivory Coast, probably in ritual sacrifices of chickens, offerings to the gods to beseech them for better health and improvements of all kinds in every aspect of the villagers' lives. 

The intricately handcast brass handle is very worn indicating many years of use, as is the iron blade. This is an exceptional object of African traditional artistic expression.

13″ overall height (33 cm). Knife 11 1/4 x 2 1/8" (29 x 5 cm)