Description:

West Africa, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Baule peoples, early to mid-20th century CE. A carved wooden ceremonial staff surmounted by a nude female figure standing in a poised, frontal posture with elongated limbs. Her elaborate coiffure, scarification, and stylized anatomy reflect Baule ideals of beauty and spiritual resonance. A pair of small maskette faces are carved in low relief several inches below the finial along the shaft, while the midsection is decorated with incised bands and ridges encircling the form. The tip of the staff is capped with a twisted iron rod, likely added to protect the base from wear, reinforce its structure, or extend its length. Mounted on a custom stand, this staff would have served to honor ancestors and/or as a symbol of authority and social status in ritual contexts. Size: 45.3" L x 1.75" W (115.1 cm x 4.4 cm); 47.75" H (121.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005

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#195302

  • Condition: Lusterous and smooth patina throughout. Russet patina and oxidation to the iron tip. Intact and excellent.

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August 7, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000