Baule (Baoule, Bawule) Côte d’Ivoire

Female figure for a trance diviner. This sitting female figure is a figure used by a trance diviner. People who have come to consult a trance diviner privately will usually sit in the small shrine room with the diviner and his or her works of art.  Many will see the figures and different objects during performances in the public arena. The most impressive trance diviners have the most elaborate and varied performances, several different styles of music and dance, several changes of costumes, and a great number of unusual things to look at. Some large figures arranged at the edge of the performance space along with other objects advertise the importance and complexity of the diviner’s relationship with the spirits and hint at a major shrine. These figures are carved in the form of beautiful human beings. Such works of art are created to please the spirits and to heighten the drama and visual interest to divination performances.

Material:  wood

Size:  H. 13”, W. 3½”, D. 3½”

Price: $195 + $18 (S&H)                                [#U4B5S970]