Female figure ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Baoulé · ID: 3035623

Description

wood, partly encrusted patina, remains of polychrome paint, seated on a stool, collection number “1317” at the back, min. dam., cracks, traces of insect caused damage and abrasion;
“asie usu”, the spirits of the bush, which are secondary divinities whose favor is gained through statuettes. The statuette is not meant to represent the “asie usu”, a deformed and ungainly creature, but rather to pay it homage by means of an effigy which will charm it in all senses of the word, honor it, and coax it into contact with human beings.