Seated Baulé motherhood sculpture, finely carved in wood, depicting a mother breastfeeding her child with great ornamental detail and expressive serenity.

Baulé Sedente Maternity Ward

Ivory Coast · Baoulé ethnicity

Outstanding Baulé carving from Ivory Coast, 20th century, depicting a mother breastfeeding her child in a circular seat.

The piece stands out for its mother-child interaction, the delicacy of its forms, and the elaborate ornaments characteristic of the Baulé tradition. Its dark patina and ornamental details underscore the authenticity and high cultural status of the work.

It is an outstanding example of African sculptural art and the exquisiteness of Baulé statuary.

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Description

Depiction of a seated Motherhood on a circular seat, accompanied by her child, whom she is breastfeeding. The child rests on one of the mother's legs and opens its enormous mouth to feed, while she holds its head. The fact that the mother interacts with the child is noteworthy, an exceptional circumstance in African art. The mother's expression of serenity is, however, common in Baulé statuary.
The composition revolves around the mother, especially highlighted by both her forms and the fineness of her features. The Baule are known for their attention to detail, as evidenced by this splendid carving, full of ornamental details typical of Baule culture: an elaborate hairstyle, details on the temples and forehead, ornaments on the neck, wrist and ankle, and scarifications all over the body, as a sign of high rank and an important symbol of their culture and traditions.

The head deserves special attention, where the artist pays particular attention. It shows a high and clear forehead, almond-shaped eyes with very arched and protruding eyebrows, half-closed eyelids, a thin nose, and a small, pouty mouth.
Baulé art is one of the most interesting and appreciated on the African continent, highlighting the sweetness of expression and the delicacy of the forms. They are important in round sculpture, using the Senufo as their model.

Conservation status: Very good. Lack of volume in the right foot, which does not affect the integrity of the piece. The patina is striking, dark and rich, with deep brown tones and natural wear and discoloration, highlighting numerous details and revealing reddish nuances, suggesting an aged and authentic texture.

BAULÉ MATERNITY
Ivory Coast, 20th century

Restoration status

The piece is in very good condition, showing only a loss of volume in the right foot that does not affect its integrity. Its dark patina and rich brown hues, along with natural wear and discoloration, enhance the details and provide an aged and authentic texture.

Historical context

This mid-20th-century Baulé sculpture, originating from the Ivory Coast, reflects the importance of motherhood and family interaction in African art. The Baulé are renowned for their attention to detail and the quality of their carvings, influenced by the Senufo, and for using sculpture as a symbol of high status and expression of cultural values. Maternal figures hold a special place in Baulé society, representing fertility, protection, and the continuity of tradition.