Baoulé Female Figurine, Republic Of Côte d'Ivoire.

Female statue with scarified calves, featuring two symbols in tiered arcs

Wood, original brown, glossy patina from use, small multicolored glass beads around the hips and ankles, slight surface wear.

Baoulé, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
Late 19th century – early 20th century.

Dimensions: 33.5 × 6.5 cm.

This female figure is distinguished by the balance of her silhouette and the inner serenity of her face, brought to life by a long, delicately drawn nose. The plump calves, the deeply striated hairstyle, and the elegant pearl adornments reflect Baoulé standards of beauty.
On the abdomen, two cartouches with incised motifs frame the navel, while raised scarifications form, below it and on the backs of the calves, double tiers of concentric arcs evoking the ngwa motif, or “moon.”
The particularly rare repetition of this motif constitutes a distinctive artistic signature, perhaps specific to a particular sculptor or workshop.

This statuette, crafted by a specialized sculptor following the instructions of a diviner, was typically kept on an altar inside the home. It was cared for, anointed, and adorned with offerings and ornaments to maintain the connection with the invisible world and, in return, to receive protection and blessings. Through the harmony of its forms and the serenity of its expression, it embodies the Baoulé ideal of beauty, balance, and fulfillment.