Nov 2, 2009
Nov 2, 2009
Nov 2, 2009
Nov 2, 2009
Nov 2, 2009
Nov 2, 2009

Female Figure

Female Figure

late 1800s-early 1900s

Wood, paint, glass beads, and natural fiber

Overall: 54.1 x 7.8 x 7.5 cm (21 5/16 x 3 1/16 x 2 15/16 in.)

Gift of Katherine C. White 1972.343

Description

An artistic melting pot, the Bondoukou region in northeastern Côte d’Ivoire near the border with Ghana is inhabited by several ethnic groups whose cultures and artistic styles often intermingle. This figure’s rounded shapes and delicate surface decoration––which seem to imitate body scarifications––closely resemble the style of Baule carvings. The figure’s meaning and function remain a mystery.

See also
Collection: 
African Art
Department: 
African Art
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture

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