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Male Figure

c. 1930s
Wood and colorant
Overall: 49.2 cm (19 3/8 in.)
Gift of Katherine C. White 1975.156
Location: not on view
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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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.
Male Figure

Male Figure

c. 1930s

Africa, West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Baule- or Anyi-style, unknown artist

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