ATTIE FIGURE 13, Ivory Coast

Photographs © Tim Hamill

ATTIE
FIGURE 13
19"h. x 12.5"w. x 7"d.
$700

The Attie are one of the Lagoons people and are southern neighbors of the Baule. Attie figures are, like those of the Baule, among the most elegant and designed pieces in Africa. Many show careful execution of face, coiffure and scarification details, with refined forms but no loss of expressiveness and power. The quiet, dignified figures embody spirits from the other world. They functioned as the home of a spirit to whom sacrifices were made and had to be placated with care. Figures were the abode of spirits associated with diviners. In ritual performances the spirit would come out to possess the diviner, causing a trance. The display of the figures would enhance and support the ensuing dance.

The distinctive style of the Attie includes more bulbous limbs, with a ryhthm of bulges and constrictions. The heads and eyes are large and scarification is often imitated by small wood pegs.

Despite its appearance and patina, this sculpture shows no evidence of age or use and aws probably made to be sold.

 

RETURN TO ATTIE FIGURES PAGE

RETURN TO SIDE BY SIDE EXHIBITION PAGE

GO TO BAULE SCULPTURE PAGE

GO TO BAULE EXHIBITION PAGE

GO TO BAULE MASKS PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN FIGURES PAGE

HOMEPAGE

 Index by
TRIBE

 Index by
OBJECT

CONTACT US