Description:

West Africa, Ivory Coast, Baule culture, ca. 19th century CE. An opulent gold-leafed wood female figure known as a sika blawa - a prestige object created for public display - distinguished by its exaggerated head and stylized anatomical features. The surface is sheathed in high-purity gold foil, tested at 96% to 98% (equivalent to over 23K), with added elements including a cotton and yarn loincloth and a yarn necklace. Incised geometric crosshatching and scarification motifs are revealed where the foil has been pressed into etched grooves in the wood. Areas where the gold has worn away expose the aged wooden substrate. The coiffure, stylized facial features, and compact bodily proportions reflect Baule ideals of beauty and ancestral significance. Figures of this kind were traditionally associated with the authority of chiefs or the public expression of family status, and were employed in ceremonial contexts. Size: 2" W x 8" H (5.1 cm x 20.3 cm); gold quality: 96% to 98% (equivalent to 23K+)

Provenance: Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA; ex- Ralph T. Coe personal collection; acquired in 2005 from Taylor Dale (TAD) Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.

#196054

  • Condition: Losses to gold foil as shown. The verso of the head's surface has been repaired with several pieces of gold foil reattached with adhesive. Base has a stable pressure fissure.

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Shipping

Bidder Can Make Shipping Arrangements, Local Pick-Up, In-House Shipping

August 22, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 + $500