Mbra Monkey Figure - Baule - Elfenbeinküste

This ‘Gbekre’ holds a sacrificial bowl in both hands against his chest. It stands with slightly angled legs on a round plinth carved out from the same piece.

Composite figures such as the present one are called ‘Gbekre’ and consist of an ape’s head on a human body. They are part of the ‘Mbra’ cult of the Baule against witchcraft and black magic. These figures are hidden inside the houses of trance priests in the Baule villages and are not allowed to be seen by women. On the occasion of ceremonies of the members of the ‘Mbra cult’, these ‘Gbekre’ are veiled and taken to the bush, where the blood of sacrificial animals (usually chicken), millet gruel etc. are sacrificed to them during trance rituals.

The Baule are one of the Akan peoples. They moved west to the Ivory Coast more than 200 years ago and adopted sculptural and masking traditions from their neighbors, the Guro, Senufo and Yaure peoples.

Mbra monkey figures are among the most frightening and powerful of Baule sculptures. They are used by diviners and men’s associations for protection. Like sacred masks, they are kept in the bush as they are dangerous for women and kept secret. The heads share some of the stylistic features of the Bo nun amuin masks. The encrusted surfaces are caused by sacrificial offerings.

Good condition

Provenance: former private German collection.

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