A Beté sculpture

Estimated price  500 - 600 €

A Beté sculpture of fertility, Ivory Coast, collected in the region de Gagnoa.

The Bété sculpture refers to traditional wooden carvings made by the Bété people, an ethnic group primarily found in western Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in West Africa. These sculptures are part of the broader spectrum of West African art and are known for their spiritual, ritualistic, and cultural significance.

Key Features of Bété Sculpture:
1. Material: Typically carved from wood, often with dark patinas or painted surfaces.
2. Purpose:
* Used in rituals and ceremonies, often related to ancestor worship, protection, or initiation rites.
* Associated with spirit beings and supernatural powers, believed to act as intermediaries between the living and the spirit world.
3. Stylistic Traits:
* Often abstract or stylized features with exaggerated facial or bodily forms.
* Eyes and facial expressions may be emphasized to convey power or spiritual presence.
* Figures may be standing or seated, sometimes holding objects or in dynamic poses.
4. Masks: The Bété are also known for their striking masks, which are distinct from statues but often accompany them in ritual settings. These masks are used in dances and ceremonies and can appear fierce or expressive, sometimes including animal features.
Cultural Context:
* The Bété sculptures are part of a wider artistic tradition in Côte d'Ivoire that includes the neighboring Guro, Baule, and Dan peoples.
* These works are not typically "art for art’s sake"; they are deeply functional and spiritual, embedded in the life of the community.
Example Types:
* Ancestor figures: Representing revered family members or lineage founders.
* Protective figures: Thought to hold spiritual energy to guard against harm.
* Fetishes or power figures: Used by ritual specialists or shamans.

wj

Price on request.

Height: 42 cm
Weight: 720 g