Baule colon statue of a man in shorts Ivory Coast 20th century

Description

Baule colon sculpture of a man in shorts from Ivory Coast with a recognisable blend of local woodblock prints and colonial iconography.

Origin & meaning
Colon sculptures originated at de Baule in the 20th century as figurative representations of European influences, sometimes satirical, sometimes ritualistic, but always with deep cultural interpretation. This male figure wears shorts and shirt, stylised in a way that combines typical Baule features with colonial reference points, making it a powerful expression of cultural cross-pollination.

Provenance
Private estate, acquired through Peerdeman Auction House.

Cultural context
De Baule used colon sculptures as narrative objects. They not only reflect historical interactions, but could also serve as symbols of modernity and identity in changing times.

Dimensions & Condition
Height: 34.5 cm
Width: 9.5 cm
Depth: 9 cm
Condition: authentic patina with slight traces of use, appropriate to age. Beautifully and stably preserved.