Akye female figure

Statue depicting a woman with generous forms. Atypical element, the bright yellow patina that covers the skin and could indicate that it is an effigy of a European woman. The morphology of the character however corresponds more to that of an African woman. The hairstyle also corresponds to fashionable hairstyles in West Africa at the beginning of the 19th century.

Akye or Attie statuary is often presented in the form of figures with powerful limbs as is the case here, with highlighted anatomical elements such as the calves and thighs. The short, thick legs support a straight trunk. The arms are placed along the body, but towards the pubis. The face is sometimes realistic, sometimes stylized.

The statues of women from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana generally honor fertility through the highlighting of the breasts, buttocks and sex.

This quite atypical African statue comes from an important Belgian private collection - auction Loudmer.

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00984

Data sheet

Presumed dating
Mid XXth century
Size
43 cm
Ethnic group
Attie / Akye
Material(s)
Wood
Country
Ivory Coast
Origin
Tribal art collection Belgium
Stand
Included
Condition
Excellent

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