Baule Colon statue of a man in blue jacket - Ivory Coast

Description

Expressive Baule Colon sculpture from Ivory Coast with powerful character and refined details.

This colourful wooden sculpture depicts a standing man wearing white headgear, blue jacket and tie, with his hand hidden behind his back. It is a wonderful example of the Baule Colon tradition, in which African artists incorporated European clothing and accessories into unique sculptures full of their own identity.

Origin & meaning
Colon sculptures from the Ivory Coast emerged in the early 20th century as artistic reflections on colonial encounters. Local woodcarvers gave their own vision of Europeans and African notables in Western dress, combining humour, commentary and craftsmanship. Today, these sculptures are loved by collectors for their bright colours, stylised forms and cultural connotations.

Dimensions & condition
Height 31 cm - width 4.5 cm - depth 3.5 cm.
Condition: good condition, with light signs of use appropriate to age and manual painting.