Musical Hammer, Baoulé, Republic Of Ivory Coast.

Musical hammer, carved on the upper part of a circular arc, decorated with a stylized bird. The head, with its tapered beak, plunges towards the ground and extends into a sagittal crest that balances the composition. The wings, incised in saw teeth, draw a regular and refined rhythm. The whole is distinguished by the elegance of the graphics, the harmony of the proportions and the modernity of the lines. Wood, old honey and brown patina, slightly thick in places, fabric stick present. Baoulé, Republic of Ivory Coast. Dimensions: 31 × 9 cm Sold with certificate of authenticity from the expert Serge Reynes. Guaranteed original and period. "Among the Baoulé, musical hammers, also called batoirs, accompanied ceremonies where wrought iron bells were struck. The sound produced punctuated dances, invoked the presence of spirits and supported ritual speech. Their sculpted decoration, often inspired by animals, associated the utilitarian object with a symbolic dimension. In this example, the bird diving towards the ground illustrates the search for balance and plastic finesse specific to Baoulé art, where ritual efficiency is combined with a formal elegance close to a modern aesthetic." * Shipping costs on estimate.