Figure - Wood - Baule Sculpture of a Mother and Child - Baule - Ivory Coast

Height 51 cm. Condition: Very good old original condition, sign of use, wear. Nice dark aged patina. Provenance: Old Swiss private collection, acquired in 1983 in Switzerland, by inheritance to current owners. This skillfully carved and polished wooden sculpture glows with its beauty and grace. Depicting an image of a standing female figure nursing a baby, the sculptural attributes of the figure denote the important idea of fertility, birth, and life. Her soft, oval-shaped face, neatly arranged hair, and her gentle facial features bring her feminine beauty alive. The soft curves of her body and her breasts also accentuate her life-giving motherhood. In Ancient Africa, the concept of life was considered very crucial and was cherished. Many rituals' and ceremonies' themes revolved around the idea and figures of mother-goddess often appear in their art. Possibly enshrined for ritual purposes, this beautiful sculpture was maybe used in wishing for fertility. Decorated with intricate representation of scarification marks, this figure is a fine example of graceful Baule sculpture. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. It will be professionally packed and safely send. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days. Buyers are responsible for import regulation and restrictions of their own country. About us Becker Antiques is one of the most leading reputable antique dealers in the Netherlands. Becker Antiques is a name and place that speaks of excellent antiques and art, outstanding service and worldwide expertise. Founded in 1969 by Jan Simon Becker, Becker Antiques is based in Museum quarter, Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, in a magnificent five-floor townhouse build 1891, at a few minutes from “Rijksmuseum” (National Museum of Art) , the Van Gogh Museum and the famous “Royal Concertgebouw”. Becker Antiques main field covers ceramics – pottery funerary figures (dated from the Han through the Ming dynasties) , Buddhist sculptures and other Chinese works of art. Our other sections are Asian works of art – concerns objects from Japan and South East Asian countries including bronze, stone and wooden sculptures, Chinese furniture from the Qing Dynasty and of course occasional other items. For the last 52 years we have been selling antiques to museums, private collectors and dealers all over the world.