Baoule settler figure
African statues and traditions from West Africa
This striking image represents a female with the entire surface of her body covered in red pigment. The hair is arranged in a series of thick plaits, with the central one being the largest and falling to the back of the head, and the surface covered with black pigment. Apart from a yellow loin cloth she is naked and the body is covered in a series of raised scarification marks. The hairstyle and the scarification marks show that the individual represented by the statue of of high status in society.
The majority of settler figures made by the Baule are usually representations of Europeans from the former French colonies. Traditionally Baule men and women would have figures carved that represented the idealized version of the partner that they wished for in life. I the case of this statue it is clearly the concepts of idealized beauty and high social ranking that are at play in this statue.
01283
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1950
- Size
- 52 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal Art Collection Germany
- Condition
- Excellent
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African statues and traditions from West Africa
This striking image represents a female with the entire surface of her body covered in red pigment. The hair is arranged in a series of thick plaits, with the central one being the largest and falling to the back of the head, and the surface covered with black pigment. Apart from a yellow loin cloth she is naked and the body is covered in a series of raised scarification marks. The hairstyle and the scarification marks show that the individual represented by the statue of of high status in society.
The majority of settler figures made by the Baule are usually representations of Europeans from the former French colonies. Traditionally Baule men and women would have figures carved that represented the idealized version of the partner that they wished for in life. I the case of this statue it is clearly the concepts of idealized beauty and high social ranking that are at play in this statue.