An early pair of Baule asie usu (meaning 'genius of the bush') figures, used by diviners.
Ivory Coast, 19th century, wood, 39 cm and 41 cm high. The elaborate hair, the fine scarifications and the eyes, accentuated with white kaolin, reflect the practice of diviners who apply kaolin to their own eyes to enable them to see and hear the spirits while in trance. (VJ)
Provenance:
German private collection, Austrian private collection.
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Ivory Coast, 19th century, wood, 39 cm and 41 cm high. The elaborate hair, the fine scarifications and the eyes, accentuated with white kaolin, reflect the practice of diviners who apply kaolin to their own eyes to enable them to see and hear the spirits while in trance. (VJ)
Provenance:
German private collection, Austrian private collection.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
