Mbra Monkey Figure - Baule - Côte d'Ivoire
04
days
17
hours
24
minutes
06
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Mbra Monkey Figure is a Baule wood sculpture from Côte d'Ivoire, a composite figure with an ape head on a human body holding a sacrificial bowl against the chest, 50 cm high, 15 cm wide, 13 cm deep, weighing 2000 g, from a private collection.
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Description from the seller
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.
Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured.
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
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.
Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured.
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
Details
Ethnic group/ culture
Baule
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Mbra Monkey Figure
Height
50 cm
Width
15 cm
Depth
13 cm
Weight
2000 g
Provenance
Private collection
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