Sold African Art Antiques Archives |
Baule Tribe Asie Usu Statue 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 Price : sold
Compare
with this one sold at the Gelbard auctions at Bonhams in November 2007,
----> 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. |
This Baule tribe from a known collection is guaranteed genuine and at least 50 years old. You will get free delivery and a complete description by David Norden. Add it to your collection and get compliments from your friends.
Save money, we give free delivery worldwide and save risk- we give 15 days guarantee, and six month exchange. I am sure you will be proud to own this piece from David Norden's collection. First is first.... Please help us with our next project by filling our African Art Club Survey Tel +32 3 227.35.40 : Click to email David Norden. St.Katelijnevest 27. B2000 Antwerpen. Belgium.
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