Attié Statue, Adzopé Region, Ivory Coast, wood with a dark, glossy patina; Southeastern Ivory Coast, Adzopé Region. This female figure belongs to the cultural context of the Attié (Akyé) people in the southeastern forest region of Ivory Coast. As part of the Akan-influenced cultural sphere, the Attié developed a distinctive visual language that combines elements of ancestor worship, fertility symbolism, and spiritual representation. The sculpture unites anthropomorphic and animal features into a complex iconography that alludes to the close interrelationship between humanity, nature, and the spiritual world. The monumental design of the head is particularly striking. The diamond-shaped headdress is surmounted by two elongated, rabbit-like ears arranged one behind the other, giving the figure an extraordinary silhouette. Additional side ears emphasize the symbolic significance of perception and attentiveness. The finely sculpted face, with closed eyes, a narrow nose, and a slightly open mouth, conveys a state of inner contemplation. Raised bumps on the forehead, temples, and cheeks structure the physiognomy and are reminiscent of ritual scarification. The ridged neck forms the transition to a meticulously articulated body. The pointed breasts and the navel, framed by four bumps, allude to fertility and feminine creative power. On its back, the figure carries a child clinging to its mother's body with outstretched limbs - a powerful symbol of motherhood, continuity, and social responsibility. The articulated arms, hands planted on hips, and powerfully sculpted legs lend the figure stability and dignity. Patina and signs of wear document age and ritual use, underscoring the work's historical significance. Literature (selection) Monni Adams: Akan Arts and Aesthetics. Los Angeles 1983. Susan Mullin Vogel: Africa Explores: 20th Century African Art. New York 1991. Herbert M. Cole: Icons: Ideals and Power in the Art of Africa. Washington 1989. Christopher D. Roy: Traditional Art of Africa. Upper Saddle River 1999. Jacques Kerchache among others: L’Art Africain. Paris 1988.