Monkey Statue - Côte d'Ivoire

Origin. Côte d'Ivoire
Tribe name. Baoulé
Material. Wood
Size. 50
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24–48 hours, open.

A dark wooden decorative sculpture depicting a monkey can be observed, characteristic of Baoulé art (Côte d'Ivoire).
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​Overall form: This is a stylized anthropomorphic-zoomorphic figure standing on a circular base. Its posture is upright and hieratic.
​Face and head: The head is elongated, with a domed forehead and a crown topped by a crest or central ornament. The eyes are represented by simple oval shapes. The nose is straight and prominent, extending from the forehead. The mouth is slightly open and emphasized by a horizontal line, giving the figure the characteristic expression of this type of sculpture.
​Body: The torso is upright. The abdominal area features raised carved motifs consisting of a series of concentric diamonds surrounding a central point, with chevron-shaped motifs below, across the lower abdomen.
​Limbs: The arms hang rigidly alongside the body. The legs are bent, giving an impression of stability and strength, and rest on a circular base integrated into the piece.
​These objects, often called “monkeys” (or mblo in some contexts), are traditionally associated with divinatory or ritual practices among the Baoulé, symbolizing forces of nature or spirits of the bush.