Baule (Côte d'Ivoire, Western Africa). Male figure. Wood. Height: 39 inches. ...

Description

Baule (Côte d'Ivoire, Western Africa)
Male figure
Wood
Height: 39 inches

This large and well carved image is an excellent example of what can be termed a "presentation piece." Such objects were commissioned from a master carver and intended as gifts, to be presented to an important local personage, such as a traditional chief or local African governmental official. Alternatively, such a sculpture could be gifted to a foreign, possibly French, dignitary.

This large sculpture features a dignified male with prominent braided beard, elaborate coiffure and abundant torso scarification. Much attention has been directed to the fine execution of details. This carving precision is of course typical of Baule carvers, whose nuanced works are among the finest from sub-Saharan Africa. It is particularly impressive to find such quality in a large, massive carving like this one; typically larger African figures lack refinement of their smaller counterparts. The condition is very good, except that the end of the back braid extension, which would have balanced the extended beard in the front, has broken off exposing fresh wood. Furthermore, this carving evidences considerable distress and weathering of the base, indicating a long period of exposure to the elements in the owner's home or place of public interaction.

This type of large figure was intended to possess powerful dramatic presence and confer prestige upon its owner, attributes which would certainly be enjoyed by a collector today.

Provenance: Dr. Wally Zollman,
Indianapolis, Indiana

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