MUSIC HAMMERS

BAULE (Ivory Coast)
H : 23 cm ; 27 cm.
Wood and fibres
Musée Dapper - Paris

The Baules of the Ivory Coast are universally renowned for the finesse and artistic quality of their sculpture. These little objects, used by Komienfwe soothsayers to strike a gong during ceremonies to evoke the spirits are further proof of this. Decorated with a head blending man and beast, richly chiselled and ornated, these items offer sculptors the chance to show their talents and make them known, since all are free to consult the oracle.