Pair of Figures
Pair of Figures, Probably for the Asie Usu, Naule, Cote d’Ivoire, 19th-20th Century. Wood Height of male 21 ¾” female 20 ½”. The metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Michael C Rockefeller Memorial Collection. Gift of Nelson A Rockefeller, 1969
The purpose of the Pair of Figures made by the Baule peoples has always been questioned. At one point in time the use was unknown, but with careful studying of the face some believe they have represented nature spirits or diviner’s spirits from sacrificial libations. Another belief is that these objects have some contact with the other world.[1] Baule peoples maintain contact with these spirits on a daily basis. The Earth spirits are called the asie usu and it can be associated with things such as the sky or earth, water, sickness, infertility, crop failure and other misfortunes. The Baule believe that all adults have a mate of the opposite sex living in the Other World and that his or her activities and thoughts affect the person of this world. The diviner can be thought to be a “person of wood” and must be honored. The image is consecrated through sacrifice and prayer and the owner must offer the image food and follow procedures to keep it happy.
[1] Monica Visona, 214.
[1] Monica Visona, 214.