

Seated Male, 19th–20th century
Côte d'Ivoire; Baule
Wood, beads
Côte d'Ivoire; Baule
Wood, beads
20 1/16 x 5 1/4 x 7 1/8 in. (51 x 13.3 x 18.1 cm)
The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1969 (1978.412.425)
Baule carving traditions embrace embellished functional objects, mask forms that enhance performances, and sculptures that facilitate relations with the spirit world. In Baule society, aesthetics play an important role not only in providing the sculptor with a worthy source of inspiration but also in ensuring a sculpture's efficacy.







