Exceptional collector's item (Ivory Coast) – Mid-20th century
Immerse yourself in the sacred art of the Baoulé ethnic group with this monumental 53 cm oracle. Much more than an art object, it is a prestigious receptacle intended for divination, carved from monolithic wood of impressive density (over 2.3 kg).
This piece is distinguished by a rigorous binary code, a sign of a special commission for a dignitary or a high-ranking diviner:
Two prestigious faces carved in high relief, facing each other on the belly.
Two distinct geometric patterns adorning the elephant's dorsal load.
This duality evokes the balance between the visible world and that of the ancestors.
The object bears the undeniable marks of its ritual use and age:
Exhibition Patina: A superb nuance of tones between the dark base (remained greasy from handling) and the lighter top, naturally oxidized by light over the decades.
Traces of Worship: Persistent residues of red pigments .
Desiccation Crack & Staples: The solid wood has worked with time, creating an old structural crack. It is stabilized by indigenous metal staples (iron/brass), a "field repair" highly valued by collectors as it authenticates the piece's history.
Oracle Conduit: The lateral passage is polished by use.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Height: 52 to 53 cm (Authentic artisanal asymmetry).
Weight: 2,343 grams.
Material: Dense tropical wood, old jute textile (exterior).
Provenance: Former private collection, acquired in Dakar (Senegal) in the late 80s
DELIVERY & WARRANTY
Ultra-secure shipping with double protection.
Unique piece, sold as is with its original patina and scars.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsBrownMaterialWoodNumber of items1Height53 cmWidth26 cmDepth26 cm