This Bété statue from the Sahiwa region in southwestern Côte d'Ivoire belongs to the tradition of cultic sculptures that served as intermediaries between the community and the spiritual world within Bété society. Such figures were used in ancestor cults, healing rituals, or as protective objects; they are distinguished by a powerful aesthetic in which physical presence and symbolic ornamentation form an inseparable unity. Despite its monumental appearance, the standing figure conveys a serene expression. The hairstyle, lying close to the head, is separated from the face by a simple band, drawing the eye to the striking facial features. A raised central ridge runs from the forehead to the bridge of the nose, creating facial symmetry. Particularly characteristic are the arched eyebrows; their shape is echoed in a dotted relief pattern beneath the closed eyes, creating the impression of a ritual face mask. The closed mouth is shaped into a gentle smile, lending the figure a calm, dignified aura. The sturdy neck transitions into a compact torso featuring small breasts that taper downwards. Below the breasts appears a diamond motif containing an inscribed cross - a pattern repeated frequently across the lower abdomen, the right thigh, between the shoulders, and on the lower back. These carefully arranged motifs recall traditional scarification patterns, underscoring both aesthetic ideals and the cultural identity of the figure. Arms hanging at the sides with palms facing forward, along with a raffia cord wrapped around the hips, complete the balanced composition. A lustrous patina and slight signs of wear bear witness to the sculpture's long history of ritual use. Selected Bibliography Himmelheber, Hans: Die Kunst der Elfenbeinküste. Munich 1964. Fischer, Eberhard / Homberger, Lorenz: The art of the Ivory Coast. Zurich 1979. Vandenhoute, Claude: Masques and traditional societies of Côte d'Ivoire. Paris 1975. Cole, Herbert M.: Icons: Ideals and Power in the Art of Africa. Washington, D.C. 1989. Kerchache, Jacques / Paudrat, Jean-Louis / Stéphan, Lucien: L’Art africain. Paris 1988. Informant: Bakari M*A*Z*1*6*8*2*7* 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.