Baule Seated Female Figure, SUPERB African Carving Start Price USD 475.00 Current Price USD 475.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, November 11, 2008 End Time Thursday, December 11, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Baule Seated Female Figure, SUPERB African Carving' Description Baule Seated Female Figure , SUPERB African CarvingType of Object: Carving, sculptureEthnic Group: BauleCountry of Origin: Cote d'IvoireMaterials: Wood, pigment, beadsApproximate Age: Mid 20th centuryDimensions: 22 inches TallOverall Condition: UsedDamage, Repair: superficial crack in the base Additional Information: A lovely Seated female figure with sculptural composition typical of the Baule people: elongated fine face enhanced by the elaborate coiffure and finial details on the face. Above the exaggerated navel, the figure has a series of diamond-shape keloid scarification of the same type than the scarification on the face chest and the back. Nice brown patina showing signs of long use. Baule figurative statuary is some of the best known and most collected. Finely carved male and female figures ranging is size from 20 to 60 centimeters are generally portrayed in a standing position of formal calmness with arms close to the body and hands resting on the abdomen. Attention is focused upon the head with emphasis given to detailed face and neck scarification and elaborate coiffure. Figures are often enhanced through the addition of gold leaf or by jewelry. Baule figure sculptures fall into two categories, the first represents spirits of the wild (asie usu) that live in the bush beyond village boundaries and the second are male and female figures that represent ‘spirit world’ spouses for their owners. Our piece may belong to either category ‘Other world spouses’ or "wild spirits". Other world spouses are kept in personal shrines where offerings are made to them and where they are close by their real world spouse. The figures reflect Baule ideals of beauty and aesthetics as the female (blolo bla) and male (blolo bian) figures exhibit youthful, well formed bodies and with much attention to details of hair and scarification as well as being dressed in what is considered fashionable and in recent times in European style clothing. The well-carved figures are burnished to a dark glossy patina from much handling when being treated with the respect due an ‘other world spouse’.Wild spirits figures (asie usu) embody a number of symbolic elements as shrine figure; she is a ’mother’, the women's god and a place of residence for the spirit of the bush ready to be called upon by the diviner. Advised by the bush spirit (asie usu) the diviner will determine the reason that a woman is barren and direct her as to what she must do bear children. It is the energy and the power of the bush spirits that create and give life that are contacted by the diviner and directed to the woman. Recommended Reading: Vogel's BAULE-AFRICAN ART WESTERN EYES. Kerchache et al., ART OF AFRICAI have examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, Ph.D. **W1965** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!