Koulango statuette, tribal art, Ivory Coast, carved wood, late 20th century

This carved wooden female statuette, attributed to the koulango of ivory coast, measures 37 cm (including the base). Her face with geometric features, her finely stylized hairstyle, and the natural patina of the wood give her a striking presence. The koulango, a people established in the northeast of ivory coast and ghana, create sculptures often intended for ancestral cults or protective rituals. The female figures, in particular, embody fertility, motherhood, and spiritual strength. This piece is distinguished by its stable and grounded posture, as well as the presence of beads around the waist, decorative elements frequently associated with femininity and prosperity. Note: a loss is visible on the left chest, as well as a crack on the torso. These marks of time do not affect the solidity of the piece and add to its authentic character. Period: late 20th century.