Baule Anthropomorphic Figure - Figure - Baule - Côte d’Ivoire
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Current bid
€ 100
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 800 - € 900
7 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 8121 | €100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bidder 8121 | €85 |
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Description from the seller
Baule Anthropomorphic Figure, Côte d’Ivoire
Wood, metal pins. Height: 42 cm.
Provenance: Old Dutch collection, acquired in the 1970s on the Amsterdam tribal art market; since then in the same collection.
Carved with unusual sculptural power, this Baule figure presents a striking synthesis of human and animal traits. The broad, open mouth with bared teeth and elongated snout evokes the liminal world of spirits, while the upright torso and hands extended forward to hold a vessel suggest ritual offering.
Most remarkable is the rare treatment of the legs: instead of the typical vertical stance, the limbs are intertwined in a serpentine form, lending the piece a dynamic and almost coiled energy. This uncommon posture enhances the figure’s dramatic presence and may reference supernatural transformation or containment of spiritual force.
The head bears old metal pins, ritual accretions that intensify the figure’s potency. The surface displays a deep, encrusted patina with significant wear from age and handling.
Dating: Early to mid-20th century (circa 1920–1950).
The combination of fierce expression, rare leg configuration, and ritual additions make this an exceptional and uncommon example within Baule sculpture.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Baule Anthropomorphic Figure, Côte d’Ivoire
Wood, metal pins. Height: 42 cm.
Provenance: Old Dutch collection, acquired in the 1970s on the Amsterdam tribal art market; since then in the same collection.
Carved with unusual sculptural power, this Baule figure presents a striking synthesis of human and animal traits. The broad, open mouth with bared teeth and elongated snout evokes the liminal world of spirits, while the upright torso and hands extended forward to hold a vessel suggest ritual offering.
Most remarkable is the rare treatment of the legs: instead of the typical vertical stance, the limbs are intertwined in a serpentine form, lending the piece a dynamic and almost coiled energy. This uncommon posture enhances the figure’s dramatic presence and may reference supernatural transformation or containment of spiritual force.
The head bears old metal pins, ritual accretions that intensify the figure’s potency. The surface displays a deep, encrusted patina with significant wear from age and handling.
Dating: Early to mid-20th century (circa 1920–1950).
The combination of fierce expression, rare leg configuration, and ritual additions make this an exceptional and uncommon example within Baule sculpture.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques (Established 1966)
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established dealers in Asian art in the Netherlands. Our gallery is housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.”
For nearly 60 years, we have specialized in high-quality and fully authentic works of art from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and other classical cultures. Our main areas of expertise include:
Han–Ming dynasty pottery and tomb figures
Chinese bronzes, Buddhist sculptures, and ritual objects
Stone and wooden sculptures from Asia
Japanese and Southeast Asian artworks
Qing dynasty furniture and scholar’s items
Every object we offer is carefully selected for authenticity, originality, and historical importance. All items are guaranteed to be as described, supported by decades of specialist knowledge and connoisseurship.
Becker Antiques is trusted by museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide. We take pride in offering not only genuine works of art, but also the integrity, expertise, and transparency that have defined our gallery for almost six decades.
For any questions, we are always happy to assist.
Legal Notice – Intellectual Property & Authenticity
All descriptions, texts, and seller information provided under the Becker Antiques profile on Catawiki constitute original intellectual property.
No part of these descriptions or seller statements may be copied, reproduced, or adapted—whether in whole or in part—without prior written permission from Becker Antiques.
Becker Antiques is the sole author and copyright holder of all seller texts used in our listings. Unauthorized use or imitation of our content, structure, or professional statements may constitute infringement under EU copyright law and may be reported to Catawiki as a violation of seller terms and misleading commercial practice.
All objects offered by Becker Antiques are guaranteed to be authentic and as described. We do not sell assembled, altered, or modern reproductions unless explicitly stated.
Details
Era
After 2000
Title
Baule Anthropomorphic Figure
Country of Origin
Côte d’Ivoire
Material
wood, metal
Ethnic group/ culture
Baule
Depiction/Theme
Africa
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
Height
42 cm
Width
0 cm
Depth
0 cm
Estimated Period
1920-1950
Sold by
