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Male Figure
Male Figure
c. 1930s
Wood and colorant
Overall: 49.2 cm (19 3/8 in.)
Gift of Katherine C. White 1975.156
Location
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Description
Traces of white pigment and sacrificial residue suggest that this figure was used by a komyen, a Baule priest and spirit medium. The carved figure attracted nature spirits who then periodically possessed the priest, giving him a special clairvoyance. Other works by this same unknown master sculptor show his interest in repeated textural bands, like those on the high collar, tunic, and cap.
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