Baule statue
Baule people, Ivory Coast, 19th Century
42 cm
Provenance:
Maine Durieu collection, Paris
Baule statuary has conquered aesthetes the world over for its symbolism, delicate modeling and powerful, fascinating peacefulness.
This female sculpture reproduces with great mastery the Baule aesthetic canons. The neck and chest are elongated, while the legs, slightly bent, are compressed. The arms adhere to the body and end in long hands with fingers that close over the belly at the level of the navel.
Particular care has also been taken with the details, such as the braided haircut and the perfectly rendered and placed scarifications. The beauty of this sculpture is accentuated by the glossy patina.
English (United States) 
French