Figure

Baule peoples, Côte d'Ivoire
19th century
Wood, encrustation
Height 39.6cm (15 5/8 in.)
Collection of Robert Bohlen and Lillian Monalto Bohlen

Provenance
David Ackley, Baltimore
Saul Stanoff, California
Robert Bohlen and Lillian Montalto Bohlen

Photograph by Franko Khoury

The function of a sculpture ultimately affects its appearance. Figures that represent nature spirits affect people's lives, especially those involved in agriculture. They acquire an encrusted surface from materials, foods and libations that are placed, and allowed to remain, on the figure.