A Bauule monkey, surmounted stool of conical shape with a a masklike portrait, holding a cup in its hands. The large head with a flattened fascial plane in high abstract form with an elongated nose framed by bulging button-eyes; the whole figure is covered by an encrusted sacrification patina with small pieces of egg-shells.

The Baule have monkey figures commonly used for the "Mbra" cult that more or less resemble each other. Endowed with prognathic jaw and sharp teeth and a granular patina resulting from sacrifices, the monkey holds a bowl or a pestle in its paws that was used to hold an egg. Sources differ on its role or function: some say it intervenes in the ritual of divination, others that it is a protection against sorcerers, or a protective divinity of agrarian rites, or a bush spirit. Owned only by trance diviners and certain families, the figure resides hidden outside under a shelter. The sculpture is said to feed on sacrifices brought from the bush and poured all over the figure, leaving it filthy and encrusted.

Sources: A History of Art in Africa and Africa and Africa - The Art of A Continen.

400 - 500,- Euro

Height: 46 cm
Weight: 1 kg