Seated male figure with lance

Description

wood, blackish brown patina, encrusted in some areas, seated on a chief’s stool (“sese bia”), carved with broad shoulders and free carved arms, slightly lowered head with striking beautiful and regular facial features, fine grooved coiffure and chin beard, fine worked scarification marks, elaborate carved hands, wrists with bulbous bracelets, slightly dam., cracks, old place of reapair (right forearm fixed by metal clamp), rep. (breakages: both foot tips, the right one in several places), missing parts (toes), base;
the original purpose of a Baule sculpture can only be guessed at once it has left its original context. The surface is a partial indicator. Because of the slightly encrusted surface on this example it can be assumed that it most likely had been made for a trance diviner “komien” and represents a bush spirit “asie usu”. They assisted the “komien” in their communication with helpful spirits. They are often displayed during sessions in which the diviner is possessed by a spirit and goes into trance. The statue must be visually appealing in order to entice a spirit to take up residence in it. Its elaborated coiffure, body scarifications and signs of prestige (stool, bracelets) refer to a person of importance and dignity.

Publications

AHDRC: 0142182