Baule Figure, Toumodi Region, Côte d'Ivoire Carved wood with a deep brown to black patina bearing traces of ritual handling and age. The standing female figure is carved in an elongated, columnar format, with a cylindrical torso rising above powerful, slightly flexed legs firmly planted on an integral circular base. The slender arms are bent forward and joined across the abdomen in a restrained, symmetrical gesture that enhances the sculpture's quiet composure. The elongated neck supports a finely proportioned head distinguished by a high domed forehead, narrow almond-shaped eyes beneath delicately arched brows, a long straight nose and a small, slightly parted mouth. A carefully carved pointed beard projects beneath the chin, an unusual feature occasionally encountered in Baule sculpture where it serves as an emblem of dignity and spiritual authority rather than gender. The elaborate coiffure is arranged in a complex crested configuration with finely incised linear decoration, while the ears are rendered in low relief. The elongated torso is enriched with bands of geometric scarification carved in low relief, contrasting with the otherwise smooth modelling of the figure. The harmonious proportions, restrained posture and finely polished surfaces convey the idealised serenity characteristic of Baule sculpture. The Toumodi region occupies a prominent place within the Baule artistic tradition and is widely recognised for the elegance and refinement of its sculptural production. Sculptors from this area favoured elongated proportions, exceptionally balanced compositions and softly modelled volumes, producing figures that embody an ideal of physical beauty and spiritual equilibrium. Heads are typically large in relation to the body, with high foreheads, delicately defined facial features and elaborate coiffures executed with remarkable precision. Surface treatment is of particular importance, with carefully polished planes contrasting subtly with finely carved scarification and ornamental details. The resulting sculptures possess a quiet monumentality and restrained naturalism that distinguish the ateliers of Toumodi from the more vigorous and expressive regional styles found elsewhere among the Baule. Selected Literature Susan M. Vogel, Baule: African Art, Western Eyes. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997. Monni Adams, Baule Art and Social Identity. African Arts. Alain-Michel Boyer, Visions d'Afrique. Arts des Baule. Paris: Hazan, 2007. Eberhard Fischer and Hans Himmelheber, Die Kunst der Elfenbeinküste. Zürich: Museum Rietberg. Some of the information is generated by artificial intelligence and is based on published sources from the fields of ethnography, archaeology, and art history. Informant: Bakari Bouaflé Invt. No. M/A/Z//19378 The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits. The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.