Artwork Info: Maternity - Early 20th Century

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baule people (? – ?)

Discover the vibrant art of the Baule people from Ivory Coast, known for their intricate masks, sculptures, and spiritual themes. Explore their cultural heritage.

Mudec - Museum of Cultures (Milan, Italy)

Explore global cultures at MUDEC Milan! Discover diverse collections, stunning architecture & innovative exhibitions showcasing art, design & human connection.

Baulé statuettes can either represent the spirits of the forest (asie usu) or the “spouses of the afterlife” (blolo bian and blolo bla). Asie usu spirits are described as horrifying, but they are represented as good-looking, in hopes of appeasing their wrath. Their representations are identical, in shape and style, to those of the “spouses of the afterlife”. According to the Baulé, when people are born they abandon their otherworldly spouse. People thus get figurines sculpted the way the spouse wishes to be portrayed, to avoid his or her wrath (which manifests itself as disease, sterility, impotence). In this case the figure is shaped like a mother with child (maternity being a central social value); the seated posture and the stool are signs of high social status. The elongated breasts allude to breast feeding.

About this artwork

Title: Maternity
Artist: baule people
Year: 1900
Format: Portrait
Copyright status: Under copyright
Where to see it: Mudec - Museum of Cultures
Creative period: Early 20th Century
Main color: Espresso
Keywords: tribal carving , african art , baule sculpture
Color hue: Blue-Violet to Rose

Maternity

baule people (? – ?)

Mudec - Museum of Cultures (Milan, Italy)

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Maternity

baule people (? – ?)

Mudec - Museum of Cultures (Milan, Italy)

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