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Dance Staff

A work made of wood, kaolin, and pigment.

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  • A work made of wood, kaolin, and pigment.

Date:

Late 19th/early 20th century

Artist:

Baule
Côte d’Ivoire
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

Two distinct sculptural forms appear in this unusual Baule carving, which may have been used during dance performances. Similar miniature renderings of animal-shaped helmet masks often decorate weavers’ pulleys. The twisted stem, on the other hand, is typically seen on the mallets used by diviners to strike an iron gong and initiate a trance. The combination of these types both demonstrates the maker’s skills and attests to the owner’s refined taste.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Baule

Title

Dance Staff

Place

Côte d'Ivoire (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1875–1925

Medium

Wood, kaolin, and pigment

Dimensions

H.: 29.9 cm (11 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Edward E. Ayer Endowment in memory of Charles L. Hutchinson

Reference Number

1960.803

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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