Figure, Baule; Ivory Coast
Wood, sacrificial material, cloth; H. 211/4"
Baule statuettes present two types
of spirit figure: spirit mates in the other world
or bush spirits who inhabit nature. Bush spirits
intervene in a person's life to cause madness or
to initiate a diviner who will subsequently display
the figure. Libations presented to these figures
develop an encrusted surface such as we see on this
example. The wooden sculpture otherwise presents
an elder seated on a stool. The imposing size and
stature of this figure, and the almost ethereal
quality of the slightly-worn features, communicate
a sense of dignity and stately elegance.
