Lot 170: A Fine Baule figure

Baule, Ivory Coast; H: 17 1/4"

The dark and well patinated male figure of classical form with long beard ending in a rounded ball, the body with elaborate scarification. Hands to the belly, the figure standing on an integral base with incising.

Comments:
These standing elders likely present mates ' blolo bian’ who live in the 'other world’. These spirits would have been revealed through divination following a crisis or a problem related to sexual dysfunction or marriage. The carving of a figure of this kind is commissioned as a stand-in for the other world mate, and offerings are placed at its feet. The three examples pictured here illustrate some of the variety that may be found in traditional Baule carving. Though structurally, the overall poise and proportion are similar, such details as the style of the coiffure, beard, scarification patterns and position of hands are not only at the discretion of the individual carver but may indeed serve as a “signature piece” for a particular artist.

Provenance:
- Zollman Collection, IND
- Gelbard collection, NY

Publication History:
Remnants of Ritual: Selections from the Gelbard collection of African Art (2003) Bourgeois & Rodolitz; Pg. 13, Fig. 28

Exhibition History:
Exhibition History: USA: "Remnants of Ritual, Selections from the Gelbard Collection of African Art":
- University Park, IL: Governors State University, February 2003
- Krannert, IL: Krannert Art Museum, 26 August-26 October, 2003
- Kansas City, MO: Belger Art Foundation/UNIVERSITY of Missouri-
Kansas City, 2004
- Park Forest, IL: Tall Grass Art Association, 2005

Price Realized: $1,900

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