African Baule Wood Figure, Seated Nude Female

**Originally Listed At $400**

West Africa, Ivory Coast, Baule people, ca. mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden figure of a seated woman on an integral stool with a tall vessel between her legs. The simple stool rests upon three legs, and the vessel has a shallow upper cavity. She wears a belt around her waist, but is otherwise nude with small conical breasts. Her large head features large narrow eyes, a petite nose, and an incised line for the mouth. The coiffure is elaborate with three large lobes in the front and two at the back, and is also embellished with incised lines. This figure may represent a spirit spouse known as a "bloto bla" and has a nice dark patina! Size: 3.5" W x 12" H (8.9 cm x 30.5 cm)

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA, acquired in early 2000's; ex-Chelsea Mini Storage Auction, New York, New York, USA

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#162647
Condition Report: Abrasions and losses to back. Surface abrasions and nicks to high pointed areas. Light mineral deposits and rich patina.