Object Details
Maker
Baule artist
Label Text
Among the Baule peoples, monkey figures are associated with nature spirits from the wilderness outside the village. They often are specifically linked to trance diviners who are possessed by spirits who "fall" on them. Visually the figures stand crouched but upright and hold a bowl for offerings. Their surfaces are encrusted with offerings. Their dynamic pose, toothy mouths and rough finish suggest an element of danger, of life beyond the boundaries.
Description
Standing wood male figure with monkey head, arms holding a bowl in front of the chest and overall black encrusted surface. Figure is missing its feet.
Provenance
Gaston deHavenon, New York, before 1971 to 1981
Exhibition History
Artful Animals, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., July 1, 2009-July 25, 2010
The deHavenon Collection, Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C., 1971
Published References
Museum of African Art. 1971. The deHavenon Collection. Washington, D.C.: Museum of African Art, no. 116.
Content Statement
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Credit Line
Gift of Gaston deHavenon
Date
Mid-20th century
Object number
81-13-5
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Figure
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
H x W x D: 61 x 16.5 x 22.9 cm (24 x 6 1/2 x 9 in.)
Geography
Côte d'Ivoire
See more items in
National Museum of African Art Collection
Data Source
National Museum of African Art
Topic
monkey
male
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmafa_81-13-5