A male Baule sculpture

A male Baule sculpture, Ivory Coast, "De la Sagesse", region Boukanda.

The Baoulé sculpture entitled "On Wisdom," originating from the Boukanda region of Côte d'Ivoire, represents a profound ritual work of art, rooted in the spiritual and aesthetic traditions of the Baoulé. Cultural Context and Function The Baoulé, an Akan people established in Côte d'Ivoire, created sculptures to house protective spirits. The "blolo bian" (male spirit husbands) and "blolo bla" (female spirit wives) were sculpted representations believed to embody benevolent spirits, often revealed by diviners. These figures served as mediators between the human and spirit worlds, allowing individuals to honor, communicate, and receive blessings from the spirits. Aesthetics and Symbolism Baulé sculptures are distinguished by their aesthetic refinement. Facial features, braided hairstyles, scarification, and postures are meticulously sculpted to reflect Baoulé ideals of beauty. For example, an early 20th-century female statuette features meticulous details, such as geometric keloid scars and an elaborate hairstyle, illustrating the attention paid to appearance and symbolism. Coutau-Bégarie Importance of the Boukanda Region The Boukanda region, located in central Côte d'Ivoire, is renowned for its Baoulé artistic production. Sculptures from this region are particularly prized for their quality and authenticity. Although specific information about a work titled "On Wisdom" is not available in the sources consulted, it is likely that this sculpture embodies the aesthetic and spiritual ideals characteristic of Baoulé works from the region. Conclusion The Baoulé sculpture "On Wisdom" from the Boukanda region is a valuable example of traditional African art, combining refined aesthetics and spiritual depth. It testifies to the cultural richness of the Baoulé and their ability to express abstract concepts through concrete artistic forms.

Source: Chat GPT

Enquire.

Height: 52 cm
Weight: 1,5 kg