Primitive Baoulé statue – Ivory Coast – First half of the 20th century, 22 cm

Baoulé statuette in carved wood, from ivory coast, made in a primitive and minimalist form. Unlike the often more detailed classic baoulé sculptures, this piece is distinguished by its raw and stylized appearance, probably linked to a ritual or domestic use. Probably dating from the first half of the 20th century (1920s-1950s), it presents a straight and frozen posture, a face with simplified features, as well as a surface marked by time. A natural crack crosses the wood, testifying to its age and authenticity. Mounted on a wooden base, it measures 22 cm in total height, making it an ideal piece for an ethnic, bohemian or wabi-sabi decoration. Its refined and archaic aesthetic fits perfectly into a collection of african primitive arts.