Standing male ape figure "gbekre"

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Description

wood, matt brown patina, encrusted in some areas, fabric loincloth, string of glass beads, a compact and strong body, provided with a big teeth-revealing mouth, raised parting and backbone, slightly dam., cracks, base;
“gbekre” figures belong to secret societies, village communities or individual families. They always look wild and aggressive. They are currently sacrificed with blood and eggs, which is why the whole figure is coated by a thick layer of encrusted blackish patina. They fulfill various tasks, serve for protection of the family or were used for soothsaying.

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Comparing literature

Vogel, Susan Mullin, Baule, African Art - Western Eyes, New York 1997, p. 41

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