Large elongated six-pointed silver-gilt star imposed on silver-gilt stalks of maize, on laterally-pierced ball suspension with loop for neck ribbon suspension, bearing hallmark; the face with black enamel edges to the arms of the star, each arm bearing a white enamel cotton flower, a circular central medallion imposed with a standing elephant in relief facing left within a red enamel ring inscribed ‘ORDRE NATIONAL’ in gilt letters, crossed branches below; the reverse with a circular central gilt medallion bearing the arms of Upper Volta in relief within a red enamel ring inscribed ‘REPUBLIQUE DE HAUTE VOLTA’; height excluding suspension rings 67.05mm (2.64 inches), width 45.1mm (1.77 inches); on original full neck ribbon with ties; in original case of issue by Arthus Bertrand, Paris. The Order was the most senior award of the Republic of Upper Volta and was instituted on 29 June 1961 to recognise personal merit and eminent service to the nation. It was both a military and civil award. It was abolished on 6 August 1993 following the political upheavals that led to the adoption of a new constitution and the name Burkina Faso. A superb example of a very rare order.
|