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LOT 2348
African Wooden Ancestor Figure
BAULE TRIBE, EARLY-MID 20TH CENTURY A.D.
19 1/8 in. (1.06 kg, 48.5 cm).
A hand-carved standing female figure with hands placed by the side, some scarification and wearing arm rings. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa.
From an old Bristol, UK, ethnographical collection.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
The Baule are noted for their fine wooden sculpture, particularly for their ritual figures representing spirits; these are associated with the ancestor cult. The figures and human masks are often elegant, well polished with elaborate hairdressings and scarification.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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African Wooden 'Akuaba Doll' Fertility Figure
Ashanti Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Carved from dark-coloured, lightweight wood in traditional form and dyed dark brown; with a large, round head, plain hairstyle, large eyes and typical tribal scarification marks on the forehead. 159 grams, 31.5 cm
From Ghana, West Africa. Ex private collection of Mr.N.J., Leicester, UK. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Among the Ashanti people in Ghana, women hoping for offspring carry these ‘Akuaba dolls’ in their clothes. Traditionally, these ‘Akuaba’ have a large, round, flat head that is reminiscent of its origin as a representation of the moon goddess, which is associated with fertility. Once the ‘Akuaba’ figure has fulfilled its purpose, the mother of the desired child places it on her domestic altar, where it is worshipped in a shrine, or she passes it on to the next generation. -
African Congo Wooden Headrest
Luba Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
A carved headrest formed as two opposed kneeling figures each with an arm on the other's shoulder; rectangular base. 485 grams, 20.5 cm high
Ex Walter Steinberg collection; acquired London art market, 1960s-1970s. -
African Terracotta Bead Necklace
12th century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £7
Mainly spherical, tubular and biconvex types. 8.77 grams, 94 cm long
Acquired on the London art market, 1990s. From the collection of the late Dr D.G., Surrey, UK.
