This seated Baule figure from the Bouaké region in central Ivory Coast belongs to that important tradition of figurative sculpture in which aesthetic ideals, spiritual concepts, and social representation combine to form a harmonious whole. Within Baule society, such figures served as ancestral images, cult objects, or representations of spiritual blolo partners, embodying notions of dignity, beauty, and inner peace. The figure sits on a richly decorated stool, whose ornamented surface underscores its elevated status. The elaborate hairstyle rises crown-like above the head and transitions into a braided plait at the nape of the neck. The forehead, bridge of the nose, and temples are adorned with delicate ornaments reminiscent of traditional forms of body decoration, emphasizing the figure's refined appearance. The face is characterized by striking eyes, whose slightly protruding eyes convey an inward, contemplative expression. Beneath the narrow, meticulously sculpted nose lies a distinctive mouth in the shape of a figure eight - a motif suggesting serenity and self-control. The angled arms reinforce the formal unity of the composition. While the right palm is open and facing upwards, indicating a gesture of receiving or offering, the left hand holds a vessel that could refer to sacrificial offerings, protective substances, or ritual functions. The delicate ornamentation on the chest, abdomen, and back continues the decorative structure of the head. The glossy patina and slight signs of wear attest to long-term use and careful preservation. Literature (Selection) Vogel, Susan Mullin: Baule: African Art, Western Eyes. New Haven 1997. Himmelheber, Hans: The Art of the Baule. Munich 1960. Delafosse, Maurice: The Baoulé and the Agni of Ivory Coast. Paris 1901. Cole, Herbert M.: Icons: Ideals and Power in the Art of Africa. Washington D.C. 1989. Fischer, Eberhard / Homberger, Lorenz: The Art of the Ivory Coast. Zurich 1979. MAZ14876