Statuette of a monkey holding a bowl.
Beautiful and old Aboya fetish of the Baoulé.
The Baoulé worshipped forest or rural deities represented by half-human, half-animal effigies called Aboya. Our effigy depicts the cynocephalic monkey Mbotumbo. The bowl held in his hands is intended for offerings; The statue was kept outside the village in a hut. The statuette was supposed to embody the strength of the devastating animal of cultures and protect the village from evil spirits.
Wood with a wonderful crusty sacrificial patina.
Height: 58 cm.
Origin: Galerie Jean-Pierre Laprugne PARIS circa 1970.
Collection of Professor Westerdijk, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
The item was included in the Crait-Muller sales catalogue of March 26, 2019 (lot No.155) see latest photos.
A certificate plus the catalogue will be given to the highest bidder.
NOTE: The monkey's arms have been glued back together.
- Object
- Statue(s)
- Indigenous object name
- aboya
- Ethnic group/ culture
- Baoulé
- Region/ country
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Material
- Wood
- Period
- 1st half 20th century
- Condition
- Fair
- Sold with stand
- No
- Dimensions
- 58×0×0 cm
- Weight
- 2.94 g