Baule Male Figure, Côte d'Ivoireheight 15 1/4in (39cm)ProvenanceFrench Private CollectionGalerie Renaud Vanuxem, ParisPrivate Collection, CaliforniaThis very early example, possibly mid-19th century or earlier as evidenced by the ancient wear and superb, dark patina on the back, wears a striated, conical coiffure with a bun in the back on the proportionally large head; the contemplative face with large, raised crescent-form eyes accented with kaolin, wearing a goatee; the slender, upright torso with attenuated arms bent at the elbow, reaching up and holding the goatee; the right leg and bottom half of the left leg with ancient loss; raised scarification accent the stomach, back, temples forehead and mouth; fine varied dark brown patina with kaolin highlights to the head.