Baule Tribe Asie Usu Statue
Height: 65
cm Large: 26 cm
This male Baule tribe figure seated on a Akan type chair wearing an elaborate hat similar to the one illustrated in Susan Vogel's book; light brown colored dry patina with libations traces of clay offerings overlaying on the hands and feet, and metal rings on the feet, proving the use of the statue in a tribal context.
One hand on the knee, the other with the palm above, in a offer position and the impressive size and not so much seen coiffe, the silent beauty of the face makes this a valuable piece in any collection.
This type of Baule statues is often called asie usu representing a spirit of the Forest reincarnated in a beautiful male figure in this case probably a village chief.
PROVENANCELucien van de Velde, Antwerp
reference: GvR files 0069575
CONDITION NOTE
the right arm with the open-palm hand was broken and refixed a long time ago.
Price : sold
Provenance : Lucien Van de Velde, & Michel Gaud GvR files 0069575
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Related books and
resources:
Die
Kultur der Baule: Fotodokumentation an der Elfenbeinkuste
1933+34/35 (Paperback)
The
art of the Baule people(African sculptors): An article
from: New Criterion [HTML] (Digital)
related pieces: Many similar seated pieces sold at Sotheby's with various prices in the 10,000$ to 100,000$ range, usually smaller pieces with darker patina. Musée africain de l'île d'Aix (AFAA, 1989 : 70-71) |
15
Compare
with this one sold at the Gelbard auctions at Bonhams in November 2007,
see below image:
Sale
15413 Lot 2526 A Baule seated figure Lot 2098,
one arm has been replaced.height 21 1/4in
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Baule statuettes present two types
of spirit figure: spirit mates in the other world or bush spirits who inhabit
nature. Bush spirits intervene in a person's life to cause madness or in order
to initiate a diviner who will subsequently display the figure. Libations
presented to these figures develop an encrusted surface such as we see on this
example. The wooden sculpture otherwise presents an elder seated on a stool. The
imposing size and stature of this figure, and the almost ethereal qualities of
the slightly-worn features, communicate a sense of dignity and stately elegance.
Dr. Chris Roy in a letter accompanying this lot suggests the sculpture dates to
the 19th century.
Let me know if you are interested in this fine Baule statue .
+32
3 227.35.40, 