A very fine old carved wooden Shrine idol from the Baule peoples of the Ivory Coast, West Africa. The sculpture of a male effigy is often created for a person who endures physical or emotional distress, at the advice of a diviner who may determine that a jealous partner in the spirit world is the cause of the problem. To address the situation, a male or female figure of the type shown here will be commissioned to serve as the focal point for offerings to the spirit partner. The anatomy and decorations of this male example epitomize the Baule ideal of human beauty. The sculpture measures 15.75 inches tall ( 17 inches tall on professional custom display stand) Provenance: Ex-Joan Oestreich collection, New York, USA.

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