Colon Baoulé - Costa do Marfim (Sem preço de reserva)

Vintage Colon statue, Baule (Baoulé) people, Côte d’Ivoire. 1960s.

These anthropomorphic figures emerged during the European colonial period. They combine features of traditional African art, such as body proportions and facial expressions, with elements of modern Western culture. This particular piece depicts a worker or civil servant wearing a red shirt with a tie, light-coloured trousers, black shoes and a colonial-style or construction helmet, while holding a briefcase.

Originally, these figures could serve as “spirit spouses” (blolo bian) adapted to modern life, or as expressions of naïve art and social caricature. Over time, they became highly popular objects in the tribal art and interior decoration markets.