Figure masculine assise "asie usu" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Baoulé · ID: 3045305

Description

wood, base

This sculptures are described as “asie usu’s ‘stool”, because the spirit uses it as a resting point. Such works represent idealized male or female figures in their prime, which the “asie usu” consider desirable forms to inhabit.

Artists commissioned with the creation of sculptures used in divination had to follow closely the instructions of the diviners “komien” who might have been told certain details about the figure’s required physical appearance, posture, scarification marks, jewelry and hairstyle by the asye usu bush spirit itself, often during a dream.

The “level of artistry” directly affected their owner’s ability to prophesize by seducing nature spirits and inducing them to divulge insights into the human condition."