Baule Asie Usu figure
Divination and spirits in African art
This African Baoulé statue of remarkable finesse was sculpted with the aim of flattering a spirit of the bush so that the latter could take up residence there and thus protect the owner. Statues of this type, called asia usu or asye usu, literally mean "spirit of the bush".
They are famous in the African art of Ivory Coast for their extreme sophistication in all respects: the dignified and serene-looking figure wears a finely ridged headdress and balanced and beautifully detailed facial features, as do the long ears. double fold. The trunk, carrying the chest slightly forward is decorated with scarification and anatomical elements of rare fidelity.
Note in particular the exceptional detail of the hands with long phalanx fingers.
The female character is here installed on a stool such as those of the Akan.
The komien diviner received his clients and proceeded to divinatory sessions involving the genius living in the room.
02369
Data sheet
- Size
- 46 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Condition
- Vintage
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Divination and spirits in African art
This African Baoulé statue of remarkable finesse was sculpted with the aim of flattering a spirit of the bush so that the latter could take up residence there and thus protect the owner. Statues of this type, called asia usu or asye usu, literally mean "spirit of the bush".
They are famous in the African art of Ivory Coast for their extreme sophistication in all respects: the dignified and serene-looking figure wears a finely ridged headdress and balanced and beautifully detailed facial features, as do the long ears. double fold. The trunk, carrying the chest slightly forward is decorated with scarification and anatomical elements of rare fidelity.
Note in particular the exceptional detail of the hands with long phalanx fingers.
The female character is here installed on a stool such as those of the Akan.
The komien diviner received his clients and proceeded to divinatory sessions involving the genius living in the room.