Anonymous artist
Baule Monkey Statue
Wood
Origin: Ivory Coast
Origin: Ivory Coast
height 53 cm
height 20 7/8 in
height 20 7/8 in
Duende Art Projects
Photo: Valentin Clavairolles
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This fascinating monkey statue was used by diviners from the Baule culture in Ivory Coast. The iconography was inspired by the baboon, an animal that was widely feared and notorious...
This fascinating monkey statue was used by diviners from the Baule culture in Ivory Coast. The iconography was inspired by the baboon, an animal that was widely feared and notorious for roaming the countryside in large troops. The wooden monkey clasps a bowl in its hands, asking for gifts, so that the supernatural spirit that lived within the sculpture would protect the village from all kinds of evil in return. Such powerful statues were not to be seen by women and children on the penalty of death. Due to the frequent libations it received, the statue is covered with a crust of dried blood – adding to its terrifying character. Although monkeys are widespread on the African continent, only a few cultures depict them in their art – this bowl-bearing Baule statue can be counted among the most beautiful types of monkey statues from Africa.
Provenance
Johan Henau, Antwerp, 2007
Cees Van Strien CollectionBy descent through family, 2022
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