Baule, Ivory Coast: Sitting male figure of a trance soothsayer.
Among the Baule people these sculptures of old men were the property of soothsayers. The sculptures were present as ‘helpers’ at their séances, in which they announced their predictions and oracles in a state of trance. The present figure is very carefully carved in hard wood and then dyed black. In typical Baule style: The elaborate hairstyle, with a comb and three hemispheres, terminates in three plaits. The plaited, long goatee is held in both hands. Face and body display the typical tribal scarification marks. The man is seated on a stool originally coloured in white. The entire figure has a good, old patina and minor age damage: Colour scuffed as a result of protracted use, tears on the right hand, the right side as well as on the back. First half of the 20th century; H: 51 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Private collection, Poland.
Literature: 'Baule. African Art, Western Eyes' by Susan M. Vogel, ill. p. 15, p. 31, p. 120, p. 121.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
24.03.2014 - 16:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 1,188.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 1,200.- to EUR 1,800.-
Baule, Ivory Coast: Sitting male figure of a trance soothsayer.
Among the Baule people these sculptures of old men were the property of soothsayers. The sculptures were present as ‘helpers’ at their séances, in which they announced their predictions and oracles in a state of trance. The present figure is very carefully carved in hard wood and then dyed black. In typical Baule style: The elaborate hairstyle, with a comb and three hemispheres, terminates in three plaits. The plaited, long goatee is held in both hands. Face and body display the typical tribal scarification marks. The man is seated on a stool originally coloured in white. The entire figure has a good, old patina and minor age damage: Colour scuffed as a result of protracted use, tears on the right hand, the right side as well as on the back. First half of the 20th century; H: 51 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Private collection, Poland.
Literature: 'Baule. African Art, Western Eyes' by Susan M. Vogel, ill. p. 15, p. 31, p. 120, p. 121.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 24.03.2014 - 16:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 18.03. - 24.03.2014 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
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