BAULE MALE FIGURE. (COTE D'IVOIRE, WESTERN AFRICA). ...

Description

BAULE MALE FIGURE
(COTE D'IVOIRE, WESTERN AFRICA)


An OSIE USU (earth spirit) inhabits a particular natural feature, such as a hill, rock, spring or stream, away from a village. For unknown reasons it may be attracted to a particular person, who it follows, importunes and causes to fall into a trance. If the person selected decides to forge an alliance with the spirit, a figure to house the ASIE USU is carved so that it can live away from the forest in the otherwise hostile realm of the village. It is nourished with sacrificial offerings that are often applied to the figure, building up an encrustation over time. In return for this care, it grants its chosen person insight into matters otherwise unseen through the medium of trances. The person becomes a diviner.

Baule figures, such as the present example, normally exhibit calm and dignity. The head is large because it the most important body part, and it often has refined, elegant features on a flat facial plane. The beard of a male figure denotes adult status and power. Arms are often relief carvings on a long torso, with hands framing the navel. Short but robust legs support the image. Most Baule figure carvings have highly polished surfaces; only the sacrificial encrustation on this figure identifies it as the home of an ASIE USU spirit.

Height: 16 ¾ inches


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