AFRICAN QUINTESSENCE

A gallery of the art of Africans

BUSH SPIRIT (ASYE USU) - BEBOUSSOU, AGBA REGION, IVORY COAST

According to Baule culture, human experience evolves out of and remains tied to the ancestral world, (called blolo) where the Baule believe all humans come from at birth and return to after death. They believe the causes and solutions to all community problems are relayed to diviners (known as komien) when these diviners are induced into a divinity trance. These diviners have been selected by the spirits of the earth ( asyu usu) as the medium through which to convey the information.These sculptures are commissioned by trance diviners to attract spirirts and are abodes into which these spirits settle. Sacrifices of mostly staple foods are made to these sculptures, and hence the unique patina. This masterpiece excels in age, form and virtuosity of craftsmanship. Circa late 19th / early 20th century.

23 inches tall.

For acquisition, Contact us

Home | The Gallery | The Gallery II |Appraisal services | About Quintessence