Ivory Coast

This beautiful hand-carved anthropomorphic figure comes from the Ivory Coast/Mali and is called Tugubele. It has preserved its authenticity, surface, and aged patina. The wood carving is exquisite and exaggerated features, have all of the hallmarks of the Senufo people. This impressive representation depicts a mother nursing an infant. The sculpture is used to honor women and their maternal role in ceremonies and festivals of the tyekpa society, a social association among the Senufo peoples. The delicate infant is lying on his mother's lap, while the mother remains stoic. The head of the mother is rendered in a rather expressionistic fashion, with pronounced mouth, large eyes, and crestlike coiffure. Her slit eyes suggest a sense of introspection and serenity as she fulfills her maternal obligations. The surface of the figure is finished in a lustrous sticky patina, indicating the frequent application of oils as spiritual libations, but also to preserve the piece.

Made of 100% wood

Model is W 40 – H 93 and weight 6 kg.

The Guros are well known as sculptors of colorful masks, statuettes, pulleys weavers and spoons. This Guro mask and many of the other masks are representations of the spirit of Gu, the wife of Zamble, a supernatural being. Guro masks originate from the west coast of Africa and more specifically from Ivory Coast. Guro mask is very unique and has a combination of human and animal traits and imaginary beasts. The Guro tribe or Gouro tribe as they are sometimes pronounced are very spiritual people and their masks are all representations of their way of live and spiritual way of life.

Made of 100% wood, pigment.

Model is W 30 – H 40 and weight 0.9 kg.

Handcarved yellow Janus Kpelie wooden mask from the Senufo people of Ivory Coast/Mali – a very rare and special double initiation mask, representing the faces of ancestors. It has preserved its authenticity, surface and aged patina. The wood carving is exquisite and exaggerated features, have all of the hallmarks of the Ivory Coast/Mali Senufo people Kpelie mask. Beautiful, mysterious and poetic, imbued with the cultural narrative of its people and its time.

Made of 100% wood, pigment.

Model is W 18 – H 30 and weight 0.6 kg.

This pigmented yellow Senufo Kpelie hand-carved wooden mask comes from the Ivory Coast/Mali. It has preserved its authenticity, surface and aged patina. The wood carving is exquisite and exaggerated features, have all of the hallmarks of the Ivory Coast/Mali Senufo people’s ‘Kpelie’ mask. Beautiful, mysterious and poetic, imbued with the cultural narrative of its people and its time.

Made of 100% wood, pigment.

Model is W 18 – H 30 and weight 0.6 kg.

An old fetish doll that lies outside the realm of anything recognizable in nature. It belongs to the works and the ritual practice of the Senufo tribe. The figure give visual representation to invisible bush spirits and function as divination devices. Believed to be used to uncover misdeeds, false testimony, and culpability. Although such works have the potential to affect all members of a Senufo community, access to this doll oracle is restricted to the most enlightened senior male and, occasionally, female members, who keep it shrouded in secrecy.

Made of 100% Wood, iron, woven fiber, organic material, cowrie shell.

Model is W 25 – H 50 and weight 0.2 kg.

An old fetish doll that lies outside the realm of anything recognizable in nature. It belongs to the works and the ritual practice of the Senufo tribe. The figure give visual representation to invisible bush spirits and function as divination devices. Believed to be used to uncover misdeeds, false testimony, and culpability. Although such works have the potential to affect all members of a Senufo community, access to this doll oracle is restricted to the most enlightened senior male and, occasionally, female members, who keep it shrouded in secrecy.

Made of 100% Wood, iron, woven fiber, organic material, cowrie shell.

Model is W 25 – H 45 and weight 0.3 kg.