733

African Baule Tribe Carved Male Figure

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,800.00 USD
African Baule Tribe Carved Male Figure
Finely carved male figure with large headress, geometric scarification and arm bands, holding a staff and resting on a stand. The Baule belong to the Akan peoples who inhabit Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Three hundred years ago the Baule people migrated westward from Ghana when the Asante rose to power. The tale of how they broke away from the Asante has been preserved in their oral traditions. During the Asante rise to power the Baule queen, Aura Poku, was in direct competition with the current Asante king. When the Asante prevailed, the queen led her people away to the land they now occupy. The male descendant of Aura Poku still lives in the palace she established and is honored by the Baule as their nominal king. 30.25" H, wear to top of headress, natural cracks and nicks consistent with age, repair to right arm. Early 20th century.