The sculpture from the Daoukro region can be described as a finely carved Baule wooden figure belonging to the classical central Côte d’Ivoire sculptural tradition, characterized by formal balance, idealized human proportions, and a calm, inward-focused presence. The figure appears seated on a stool, a format often associated with prestige and spiritual mediation in Baule art. The posture is compact and controlled: the torso is upright, the legs folded in a stable seated position, and the arms held close to the body, with the hands resting in a composed, symmetrical gesture around the abdomen. This “self-contained” posture is typical of Baule statuary and expresses calmness, dignity, and inner equilibrium rather than narrative action. The face is rendered with refined symmetry and a meditative expression, often achieved through half-closed or softly indicated eyes and a restrained mouth. The treatment of the head is carefully proportioned, emphasizing the forehead and cranial volume, which in Baule aesthetics signals intelligence, spiritual capacity, and moral refinement. The coiffure is carefully structured and contributes to the sense of social and aesthetic idealization. The body surface is marked by finely incised scarification patterns, distributed across the face, torso, and sometimes limbs. These markings are not merely decorative but reference cultural ideas of identity, maturity, and “civilized” beauty within Baule society. In many comparable works, such scarification is combined with a smooth, polished surface that develops a dark, glossy patina through repeated handling, ritual attention, or devotional use. Stylistically, the sculpture fits within the well-documented Baule tradition of spirit-related figuration, especially the two main categories: spirit spouse figures (blolo bla / blolo bian) and bush spirit figures (asie usu). While the exact function of this particular piece cannot be confirmed without its original context, its formal qualities strongly align with works used in divination settings, where carved figures act as intermediaries between human beings and the spiritual world. Comparable works are described as “idealized humans in their prime” designed to attract and stabilize benevolent spiritual forces and counter disruptive ones. Overall, the sculpture represents a classical Baule aesthetic of controlled vitality, harmony of proportions, and idealized human beauty, where every detail—from scarification to posture—serves to express both social refinement and spiritual balance. Reference list (selection) Bernard de Grunne, “About the Baule Style and its Masters,” in African Masters, Yale University / van Rijn archives of African art, 2016. Susan Vogel, Baule: African Art / Western Eyes, Yale University Press, 1997. Alain-Michel Boyer, Miroirs de l’invisible: la statuaire baoulé, Arts d’Afrique Noire, 1982. Dalton Somaré Gallery, “Figure féminine, Baule, Côte d’Ivoire,” exhibition dossier, Milan. The Art Institute of Chicago, “Male Figure (Blolo Bian), Baule peoples,” collection entry. Brooklyn Museum, “Standing Male Figure, Baule,” Arts of Africa collection. Cleveland Museum of Art, “Male Figure, Totokro Master,” collection entry. Olive DeLuce Gallery / Baule sculpture catalog, University archive PDF. This description was created with the help of our local informant Bakari Bouaflé and additionally with the aid of AI. Despite careful individual verification of the information provided by our informant, errors or inaccuracies may occur in the description due to the use of artificial intelligence. M*A*Z*1*3*4*0*8* 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.