Figure of a monkey

Object Details

Baule artist

Label Text

Among the Baule peoples, monkey figures are associated with nature spirits from the wilderness outside the village. They often are specifically linked to trance diviners who are possessed by spirits who "fall" on them. Visually the figures stand crouched but upright and hold a bowl for offerings. Their surfaces are encrusted with offerings. Their dynamic pose, toothy mouths and rough finish suggest an element of danger, of life beyond the boundaries.

Description

Standing wood male figure with monkey head, arms holding a bowl in front of the chest and overall black encrusted surface. Figure is missing its feet.

Provenance

Gaston deHavenon, New York, before 1971 to 1981

Exhibition History

Artful Animals, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., July 1, 2009-July 25, 2010

The deHavenon Collection, Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C., 1971

Published References

Museum of African Art. 1971. The deHavenon Collection. Washington, D.C.: Museum of African Art, no. 116.

Content Statement

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Credit Line

Gift of Gaston deHavenon

Mid-20th century

Object number

81-13-5

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Figure

Medium

Wood

Dimensions

H x W x D: 61 x 16.5 x 22.9 cm (24 x 6 1/2 x 9 in.)

Geography

Côte d'Ivoire

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Topic

monkey

male

Record ID

nmafa_81-13-5

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys718436e71-374d-4485-853b-6e0bfcafe74a