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This imposing sculpture of a seated woman
holding a load on her head was made by one of
the tribes of the Lagoons region of the SE Ivory
Coast. The area is particularly known for the high
degree of refinement of its sculptures, and this
piece is no exception. It depicts a woman seated
on the back of a chair, and her feet on the seat.
The legs are very short and well-defined, giving
way to a very elongated abdomen – with
prominent navel – and block torso. The breasts
are very pointed and sharp. The shoulders are
square, with vertically-oriented, slender arms
(each with a bracelet) supporting a cask-shaped
block atop the figure’s head. The neck is
columnar yet broad, with a typically Lagoons face
– arched brows, a fine nose, a vestigial mouth
and slim almond-shaped eyes. The coiffure is
strongly defined around the vertical
circumference of the head, leading to a highly
ornate, pendulous queue of hair that tapers to a
rounded eminence at the tip. The dark glossy
texture of the figure contrasts strongly with the
natural wood of the base, which has been
somewhat eroded through age, use and perhaps
insect damage.
The Lagoons people include about a dozen
distinct groups, which are grouped into two main
units (the Attye and the Ebrie), and are not
usually confused with the Anyi, who are more
influenced by local neighbours such as the Baule.
Lagoons people are distinct from one another
except in cases of threat, when they combine.
Their social structure is based upon a
gerontocracy. Artistically they are defined by
carvings of astonishing refinement, with
exceptionally serene expressions and attenuated
proportions. They usually have highly ornate
hairstyles, keloid scarifications that are rendered
as removable plugs, and glossy patinas from
usage. This pose is often seen but its significance
is not understood. The figures were used by
spiritual intermediaries to obtain information
from the hereafter. There are also reports of
highly gendered figures being used as spirit
spouses, as in the Baule tradition. They are also
said to have been display pieces at traditional
dances, or awarded to excellent dancers and
performers. They are usually adorned with
beads, which are often more diagnostic in terms
of area of origin than the piece itself.
This is a beautiful piece of Lagoons sculpture.
- (PF.4510 (LSO))
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