Baoulé monkey statue. - Baule - Côte d'Ivoire
02
days
19
hours
59
minutes
33
seconds
Current bid
€ 185
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 300 - € 350
 | €185 | |
|---|---|---|
| €160 | |
 | €55 |
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Baoulé wooden monkey statue from Côte d'Ivoire, provenance Galerie/Antiquaire, late 20th century, height 60 cm, in good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Origin. Côte d'Ivoire
Tribe name. Baoulé
Material. Wood
Dimension. 60 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h, open.
Decorative Baoulé monkey statue
Expression facial: The most striking feature is the mouth widely open, revealing sculpted teeth, giving the creature a look that is at once menacing and stylized. The eyes are protruding and globular, set in pronounced orbits, topped by a swollen forehead.
Posture: The figure is depicted in a semi-crouched position, knees bent, which gives the sculpture an impression of dynamic tension or readiness to pounce.
Attribute: The monkey holds in its hands, in front of its chest, a small cup or hollow vessel. This type of element is common in African art and often symbolizes an offering or the reception of ritual substances (libations).
Style and Material
Material: This is a dense wood sculpture, carved with an approach that favors volume and stylization over strict anatomical realism. The treatment of the hands and feet is schematic but vigorous.
Cultural Significance
Among the Baoulé, these monkey figures, sometimes called Mbotumbo, are often seen as powerful entities linked to the spirits of the bush. They are generally kept by diviners or members of initiatory societies. The presence of the cup reinforces its functional role within rituals aimed at appeasing spirits or soliciting their protection and wisdom.
The object shows a beautiful structural integrity, with well-preserved details that attest to traditional-quality artisanal craftsmanship.
Origin. Côte d'Ivoire
Tribe name. Baoulé
Material. Wood
Dimension. 60 cm
Shipping mode. Colissimo within 24-48h, open.
Decorative Baoulé monkey statue
Expression facial: The most striking feature is the mouth widely open, revealing sculpted teeth, giving the creature a look that is at once menacing and stylized. The eyes are protruding and globular, set in pronounced orbits, topped by a swollen forehead.
Posture: The figure is depicted in a semi-crouched position, knees bent, which gives the sculpture an impression of dynamic tension or readiness to pounce.
Attribute: The monkey holds in its hands, in front of its chest, a small cup or hollow vessel. This type of element is common in African art and often symbolizes an offering or the reception of ritual substances (libations).
Style and Material
Material: This is a dense wood sculpture, carved with an approach that favors volume and stylization over strict anatomical realism. The treatment of the hands and feet is schematic but vigorous.
Cultural Significance
Among the Baoulé, these monkey figures, sometimes called Mbotumbo, are often seen as powerful entities linked to the spirits of the bush. They are generally kept by diviners or members of initiatory societies. The presence of the cup reinforces its functional role within rituals aimed at appeasing spirits or soliciting their protection and wisdom.
The object shows a beautiful structural integrity, with well-preserved details that attest to traditional-quality artisanal craftsmanship.
Details
Number of objects
1
Ethnic group/ culture
Baule
Country of Origin
Côte d'Ivoire
Period
Late 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Baoulé monkey statue.
Height
60 cm
Provenance
Gallery / Antique dealer
Sold by
