Femme Balouh Stamp Appraisal

Ivory Coast 2c Femme BalouH Postes Stamp

This item is a vintage postage stamp from Ivory Coast, featuring a striking portrait of an African woman in profile. The stamp has a monetary value of "2c" (2 centimes) indicated in the upper left corner, and the word "POSTES" (French for ‘posts’ or ‘mail’) is clearly visible in the upper right. The main imagery depicts a woman with intricate dreadlocks or braided hair, adorned with an earring and a beaded necklace. Her attire appears to be patterned. The background of the portrait showcases foliage, possibly coffee beans or other native flora, suggesting agricultural significance. Below the portrait, the inscription "A.O.F." (Afrique Occidentale Française or French West Africa) is printed vertically on the left side, with "COTE D'IVOIRE" (Ivory Coast) prominently displayed at the bottom. A smaller inscription reads "FEMME BALOUH," identifying the woman possibly as a BalouH woman, a common ethnic group in Ivory Coast. Another small signature, "P. DUBOIS," likely identifies the artist or engraver. The stamp is printed in a monochrome color, giving it a classic, perhaps sepia-toned or greyish-blue appearance, indicative of early 20th-century philately. The edges show perforations, a standard feature for separation from a sheet. The overall condition appears to be good, with no obvious major tears, creases, or significant discoloration, suggesting it has been preserved within a collection, possibly in a stamp album as indicated by the faint outlines of surrounding stamp perforations.