This figure representing a judicial authority - originating from the Yamoussoukro region in central Côte d'Ivoire - belongs to the tradition of cultic sculptures that embodied ideals of moral integrity, social order, and spiritual authority within Baule society. Such figures were not viewed as depictions of secular judges, but rather as visible manifestations of the forces ensuring truthfulness, balance, and the legitimacy of communal decisions. In ancestral shrines or ritual contexts, they served as intermediaries between the visible and spiritual worlds. Standing on a small base, the figure radiates a remarkable sense of calm. Its closed eyes lend it a contemplative expression, suggesting inner insight rather than external perception. The mouth, shaped into a circular "O," evokes ritual speech, invocation, or the breath as a vehicle of spiritual power. The towering hairstyle - tapering into a small braid at the back of the head - is clearly separated from the forehead by an ornamental band, underscoring the figure's dignified, representative character. A distinctive stylistic feature is the fine, knob-like ornamentation covering the forehead, cheeks, neck, abdomen, and back. Reminiscent of traditional scarification, this patterning signifies both cultural identity and the social rank of the figure portrayed. The arms, crossed over the chest with hands resting upon them, form the compositional focal point of the sculpture. This self-contained posture conveys composure, self-restraint, and a sense of responsibility - qualities that, in the Baule worldview, were associated with just judgment and spiritual wisdom. Selected Bibliography Vogel, Susan Mullin: *Baule: African Art, Western Eyes*. New Haven 1997. Himmelheber, Hans: *Die Kunst der Baule*. Munich 1960. Delafosse, Maurice: Les Baoulé and les Agni de la Côte d'Ivoire. Paris 1901. Fischer, Eberhard / Homberger, Lorenz: The art of the Ivory Coast. Zurich 1979. Cole, Herbert M.: Icons: Ideals and Power in the Art of Africa. Washington D.C. 1989. Informant: Bakari M*A*Z*1*6*6*2*3*The seller guarantees and can prove that the object was obtained legally. The seller was informed by Catawiki that they had to provide the documentation required by the laws and regulations in their country of residence. The seller guarantees and is entitled to sell/export this object. The seller will provide all provenance information known about the object to the buyer. The seller ensures that any necessary permits are/will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer immediately about any delays in obtaining such permits.