Baule Mbotumbo monkey figure
Variety in African art Baule
African statue of Baule origin carved in dense wood. It is covered with a thick, very hard and crusty patina.
These traditional figures are known as mbotumbo or bark. The anthropomorphic figure is standing, legs slightly bent, on a base. The head is zoomorphic, with an elongated, slightly open mouth revealing long teeth. In the hands, a cup.
Fascinating representations of unknown and hostile forces, these traditional statues of cynocephalic monkeys are among the objects of power. They express a threatening and aggressive character intended to protect the initiates from the often unknown dangers which could come from the outside: witchcraft, epidemics, enemy attacks.
Baoulé statues of this type carrying a cup in their hands appear in rituals where they represent the amuin deities who have a power superior to that of the geniuses of the bush. They relate to forces beyond the reach of what is humanized, linked to the formidable forces of creation.
It is understandable that these ape-like effigies are placed out of the sight of women, away from the village. They are the object of worship in exceptional situations. These vindictive figures derive their power from their aggressive zoomorphic form.
02144
Data sheet
- Size
- 60 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Condition
- Excellent
Variety in African art Baule
African statue of Baule origin carved in dense wood. It is covered with a thick, very hard and crusty patina.
These traditional figures are known as mbotumbo or bark. The anthropomorphic figure is standing, legs slightly bent, on a base. The head is zoomorphic, with an elongated, slightly open mouth revealing long teeth. In the hands, a cup.
Fascinating representations of unknown and hostile forces, these traditional statues of cynocephalic monkeys are among the objects of power. They express a threatening and aggressive character intended to protect the initiates from the often unknown dangers which could come from the outside: witchcraft, epidemics, enemy attacks.
Baoulé statues of this type carrying a cup in their hands appear in rituals where they represent the amuin deities who have a power superior to that of the geniuses of the bush. They relate to forces beyond the reach of what is humanized, linked to the formidable forces of creation.
It is understandable that these ape-like effigies are placed out of the sight of women, away from the village. They are the object of worship in exceptional situations. These vindictive figures derive their power from their aggressive zoomorphic form.