Ancestor figure – Wood – Anyi – Ivory Coast / Lagoon Region

Beautiful Anyi wooden figure with a great patina of age. The eastern coast of the Ivory Coast comprises an area of lagoons, where the population is divided into twelve different language groups. The cultural and stylistic unity of these people often justifies grouping them together. Before colonization, each village was autonomous and, when threatened, they united to form a 'confederation'. Unusually, these people are not governed by chiefs, although a man's social position is determined by his age. The sculptural art of this area can be identified by common characteristics. Carvings feature an elaborate coiffure divided into raised masses and sometimes small button-like scarifications on the face, while the influence of their neighbours, the Akan to the east and the Baule to the north, is also apparent. The two principal groups of the Lagoon area are the Ebrie and the Attye (also called Akye). The Anyi people, also called Angi, live to the north-east of this area and evolved an artistic tradition reflecting the influence of both the Lagoon and the Baule people. Good condition, with traces of tribal use. Nice dark oily aged patina. Provenance: former private collection from Germany.

Object:	Figure
Ethnic group:	Anyi
Country:	Ivory Coast
Material:	Wood
Period:	Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:	No
Dimensions:	32x10x5 cm
Weight:	250 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used with some signs of wear