Set of 2 Large (35-40mm long) Baoule lost wax cast bicones from Ivory Coast
Baoule work is made in similar ways to the Ghanaian lost wax cast beads, but tends to be more delicate and precise. Brass color is often more uniform too.
Each of these beads is first made in wax - in this case thin strings of wax are braided. That in itself is a feat in the tropical heat! I've watched it being done.
The wax is then covered by clay, the clay mold is heated and the wax runs out through openings left for that purpose.
Molten recycled metal is poured in. After cooling, the clay mold is broken open and the beads are removed, cleaned, and polished. Each bead is one-of-a-kind.
Throughout the long and complicated process, some flaws are inevitable, we accept them as proof that these are genuine and not mass produced copies.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.
