Agni figure - Agni

The Anyi (or Agni) belong to the group of the Akan tribes (Ashanti, Baule, etc.). In their artistic style, the Anyi also display many similarities with the style of their western neighbors, the Baule: see, for instance, the hairstyle and scarification marks of the present Anyi sculpture. However, unlike the usually black or red dyed Baule figures, Anyi sculptures are often undyed (as in the present case). Additionally, rather than depicting 'spirit spouses,' the figures of the Anyi—usually female—are associated with fertility. The current Anyi sculpture, made of hard, light-colored wood, is an especially beautiful example of this refined, finely detailed style. It depicts a very confident standing woman with a serious expression. She is adorned with a necklace and an amulet pendant, a girdle made of two rows of large pearls, and a slip-on loincloth. All three elements are slightly colored in red. The arms are bent and detached from the body, with clasped hands resting on the abdomen, and the left arm is decorated with two bangles. The figure has a very beautiful, old, shiny patina.

Old French collection