AMICA ID:
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MMA_.1978.412.390-.391
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AMICA Library Year:
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2000
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Object Type:
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Sculpture
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Creator Nationality:
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African; West African; Baule
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Baule peoples
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Title:
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Diviner's Figures
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View:
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Full View, MAA_.1978.412.390
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Creation Date:
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19th-20th century
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Creation Start Date:
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1800
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Creation End Date:
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1999
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Materials and Techniques:
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Wood, pigment, beads, iron
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Dimensions:
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H. 21 13/16 in. (55.4 cm) and 20 2/3 in. (52.5 cm)
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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Owner Location:
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New York, New York, USA
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ID Number:
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1978.412.390-.391
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Credit Line:
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The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Gift of Nelson A. Rockefeller, 1969
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Rights:
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Context:
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Baule diviners are consulted by people who desire assistance in solving significant problems, perhaps relating to childbearing or other health concerns. Sculptures are often an important presence in divining sessions. Diviners may inherit such works from older colleagues or commission them based on the direction of a spirit whose insights they draw upon in their professional consultations. This pair of sculptures for a trance diviner is among the most renowned masterpieces of Baule art. Though depicted as separate male and female figures, they are perfectly harmonized through matched gestures, stances, and expressions. Together they reflect and embody Baule ideals of civilized beauty, with their elegant coiffures, scarifications, and beaded ornaments. Their slightly downturned gazes and contained postures and their powerful, muscular legs are testimony to the figures' respectful demeanor and youthful health. |
Related Image Identifier Link:
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MMA_.ao1978.412.390.R.tif
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