Early 20th Century African Baule Carved & Painted Wood Candle Holder Lamp

Description

An authentic antique tribal artifact from Africa - a candlestick lamp

Baule (Baoule) People of Western Africa, today's central Côte … more An authentic antique tribal artifact from Africa - a candlestick lamp

Baule (Baoule) People of Western Africa, today's central Côte d’Ivoire. The Baule are an Akan people, traditionally farmers, who migrated from Ghana in the 17th century after the Ashanti rose to power. According to oral legend, under the leadership of Queen Pokou, the Baule migrated West and came upon the Komoe river, which they were unable to cross. With the enemy nearing, they started throwing their most prized possessions in the river. Queen Pokou realized that her most prized possession was her son, whom she sacrificed. Upon the sacrifice, the Hippopotamus in the river's water stood up and helped the migrants cross. From then on, the Queen's grief was so strong that the only phrase she could utter was "Baouli" ("The Child is dead") - which is where the tribe's name came to be
The Baule are known for their remarkable art and sculpture, with craftsmen working in many different mediums. Often, their works use the symbolism of religion, which divides the universe into three worlds - that of God, that of Earth, and The Beyond - where the spirits of ancestors live. Baule masks, furniture, objects d'art and domestic objects are highly prized in the west for their distinctive qualities. Some art pieces have such strong symbolic and religious value, that they are meant to only be seen by a specific person or group for which the object was made

Carved from a single piece of local hardwood. Remnants of the original red, green, yellow and black paint are retained
Similar in form to the traditional Baule post figures, used to protect and ward off evil
Iron nails on underside
Baule People Cote d'Ivoire, Western Africa - early 20th century or earlier
Tagged on the underside by the previous owner, the prestigious Gordon B. Lankton Collection

References:
The Tribal Arts of Africa - Jean-Baptiste Bacquart (2002);
Baule: African Art Western Eyes - Susan Mullin Vogel (1997);
For Spirits and Kings: African art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman collection - Metropolitan Museum, NY (1981);

Provenance: The Gordon B. Lankton Collection of African Art

This and all African artifacts we sell are 100% guaranteed to be Genuine, Authentic and Antique, NOT modern reproductions or souvenirs made for the tourist trade. We will provide provenance whenever possible, and a Certificate of Authenticity from our gallery can be attached upon buyer request

Measurements: Approx. 16.5" high (42 cm), 5.5" base diameter
Weighs about 2 lbs. 10 oz.

Condition: Please see photos. All original. Natural splits in the wood, wear from extensive use. Some chips on the underside bottom edge. less