Baule Monkey Figure, Ivory Coast

The monkey holds a bowl. Offerings go in the bowl. The arrangement is clear.

Baule carvers made monkey figures for shrine and protective use, and they are frequently shown just so. This one, carved in wood in the Ivory Coast in the 20th century, stands with bent, powerful legs on a rectangular plinth carved with toes. The arms rise to clasp a shallow vessel to the chest. The large, round head is split by a wide open mouth. The surface is dark and layered, reddish-brown, with lighter abrasions.

Twenty-one inches. Commanding, and a bit mischievous. Hold its gaze at your own risk.