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African & Tribal Art :
Baule Sculptures : Baule Brass Chief's Staff
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Baule Brass Chief's Staff - PF.4490
Origin: Central Ivory Coast
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
51" (129.5cm) high
x 1.5" (3.8cm) wide
Collection: African
Style: Baule
Medium: Brass
$6,900.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The Baule are notable for their egalitarian
society. Its social organization is founded on the
extended family, which forms an aulo. If there
are several families in the same village, the
richest and shrewdest man is chosen to manage
matters of common interest. There is also a fair
degree of equality between the sexes, with no
distinction between paternal and maternal
relatedness, nor is there preferrential marriage
except in certain cases. In the past women often
occupied the role of village chief. It is then of
even greater interest that they should create a
symbol of kingly authority in the form of a staff,
which has been identified with kings for
centuries in cultures all over the world.
This regal staff shows a figure seated as if on a
throne, wearing a beautiful flowing headdress,
somewhat similiar to those worn by the Pharaohs
of Egypt. The predominent breasts suggests the
figure is female. She wears braclets ( a sign of
wealth), and type of skirt with two thick bands
around the waist. Her expression is very pensive
or meditative, which suggests she may be a
representation of an ancestor or female deity.
Yet, it is most tempting to assume she is in fact a
proud female chief, sitting in counsel, dispensing
wisdom with authority and compassion. The
entire object exudes a sense of power, almost
granduer in its elegant form, crowned by a
female of great dignity possessing sweetness
and grace.
- (PF.4490)
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