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A Baule sculpture, Ivory Coast, called "statutte de la Sagesse", collected in the region of Sakassou.

“To articulate historians, the most consistent features of Baule art is a kind of peaceful containment. Faces tend to have downcast eyes and figures most often hold their ams against the body. […] Among their abundant art forms, the Baule people continue to place the greatest value on masks and figure sculptures, which remain the only sculptural art still widely used in Baule villages. While there is a difference between the Baule view of their objects and that of Western connoisseurs, there are points of agreement. Aesthetic appreciation is one: Baule artist, and individual owners of objects, certainly sometimes enjoy the beauty of these objects and the skill it took coproduce them. […]

Ornaments above the face are chosen for their beauty and have no iconographic significance” p.141, Lit: Baule: African Art, Western Eyes. Susan M.Vogel 1997.

Baule sculptures from the Sakassou region of Côte d'Ivoire are renowned for their exceptional artistry and spiritual significance. These works are primarily associated with the "atelier des maîtres de Sakassou" (Sakassou Masters Workshop), a group of highly skilled sculptors active in the 18th and 19th centuries. The workshop was identified by art historian Susan Vogel in 1994 and later named by Bernard de Grunne in 2001. According to de Grunne, Sakassou emerged as a major political and artistic centre for Baule culture during this period, influenced by the Akan-Baule migration. The royal court in Sakassou likely encouraged the creation of sculptural workshops to establish legitimacy over local populations through the veneration of otherworldly spouses via statues. wolfgang-jaenicke, Sothebys.com

Baule sculptures from this region are characterized by their refined proportions, graceful poses, and intricate scarification patterns, reflecting the Baule's aesthetic ideals. These figures often depict "blolo bla" (female) and "blolo bian" (male) spirits, believed to be the spiritual spouses of the living, and serve as intermediaries between the human and spiritual worlds. The sculptures are typically used in private rituals and are considered embodiments of the spirits they represent. Sothebys.com

Notable examples of Sakassou sculptures include a large male statue with dynamic curves and detailed musculature, which exemplifies the Baule's criteria of beauty . Another remarkable piece is a male statue from the Essankro workshops, dating between 1840 and 1880, showcasing the elegance and delicacy characteristic of Sakassou sculptures.

These artworks have garnered significant attention in the art world, with some pieces being featured in major auctions and exhibitions. For instance, a statue from the Sakassou region was included in Sothe by's 2022 auction "Splendeurs: Chefs-d’oeuvre des Arts d’Afrique," highlighting its cultural and artistic importance.

In addition to sculptures, masks from the Sakassou region are also highly regarded. Baule masks are known for their symmetrical designs, smooth facial features, and spiritual symbolism, playing a crucial role in community rituals and ceremonies. wolfgang-jaenicke.

Overall, Baule sculptures from the Sakassou region are celebrated for their artistic excellence and deep spiritual significance, offering valuable insights into the cultural heritage of the Baule people.

Wood - Fair condition

Baule - Côte d'Ivoire

African & Tribal Art

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African & Tribal Art

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Baule - Côte d'Ivoire

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