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BLANCHET & Associés
18
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Baule Gbekre figure, Ivory Coast, wood, H.
See original version (French)
18
-
Baule Gbekre figure, Ivory Coast, wood, H.
See original version (French)
Estimate €300 - €400
Voluntary lot
Description
Baule Gbekre figure, Ivory Coast, wood, H.45cmxW.12cm. So far removed from the refined and delicate artistic canon of Baule masks and statues, these simian statues resemble no other object from Baule culture. The names, practices and beliefs associated with these 'monkeys' were diverse, idiosyncratic and, above all, secret. These frightening cup-bearers, harbouring invisible forces both evil and beneficial, served their community through the intermediary of diviners. Because of their ambivalent powers, these statues had to be venerated regularly. An essential morphological feature of this statuary is the cup placed in the figure's hands, which was intended for frequent sacrifice.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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