Masque and - Baule - Côte d'Ivoire (No reserve price)

The Baoulé sculpture will represent a spirit and serve to appease it. Baoulé statues of spirits or nature spirits are always seated, whereas the spouses of the beyond are always standing. The spirits of nature, Asi Asu, are distinguished by a sacrificial patina, while spirits conducive to romantic relationships have a polished patina. Forest and bush spirits are imagined as hideous: humped, with feet turned backward, dirty skin, red hair, enormous eyes, and a single arm… Very dangerous, they can have a harmful effect on agriculture, hunting, and health. When appeased through sacrifices, they can become favorable to humans. This begins with a consultation with the diviner, who identifies the cause of misfortunes and prescribes remedies, which involve having Baoulé statuettes sculpted, with the diviner indicating their gender.