Receptacle with anthropomorphic lid "kwle" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Baule · ID: 3042451

Description

wood, brown patina, open worked base, elaborated geometrical decor on the outside of the receptacle, lid surmounted by anthropomorphic head, collection label “K S9” inside, min. dam., small missing parts, fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
wooden and brass containers for shea butter are known to be used by the Baule and their Senufo and Akan neighbours. The Baule place great value on personal control, bodily cleanliness and beauty. The lids of these containers, in addition to their contents, reflect ideals of beauty that would have been expected by their owners: a fine elaborate coiffure and facial scarifications, a refined, polished surface, resembling the radiant complexion their contents guaranteed.

Comparing literature

Vogel, Susan Mullin, African Aesthetics, New York 1986, p. 198, ill. 149 van Dyke, Kristina, African Art from the Menil Collection, Houston 2008, p. 114 f.

Publications

AHDRC: 0062243