Figure of a Female Holding Barrel

Origin: Attye Tribe, Ivory Coast
Composition: wood, kaolin pigment stain, metal tacks

This statue was likely made for ceremonies related to the Poro society, which initiates and educates Baule and Attye (also Attie) men from the age of seven onwards. This type of figure also may be used in the rites of the Lo society on different occasions: at initiation ceremony, at funerary and second burial rites for Lo members, at harvest festivals when thanks are given to ancestors who have helped to ensure good crops. The figure may represent a female ancestor or relative of Kpellie (the original Senufo spirit). The Baule and Attye, like other African tribes, pay tribute and pray to ancestors, calling upon their spirit for health, luck, and to seek advice.

The eastern coast of the Ivory Coast comprises an area of lagoons, where the population is divided into twelve language groups that share many aspects of culture and artistic style. The sculptural art of this area can be identified by common characteristics, such as an elaborate coiffure divided into raised masses and small button-like scarifications. The Lagoon people produced a corpus of figures, which were usually full-frontal, standing female figures with muscular legs and arms. They are characterized by a rich patina and are sometimes wearing miniature metal adornments (Passage from Tribal Arts of Africa).

Purchased from a large collection in 1998. Est. mid-20th century in age.