Notable Woman Sitting

Kulango art is influenced by Akan peoples. As in Baule art, the head occupies a large part of the body, about one third, and the legs are short and strong. The woman is seated on a stool showing Akan influence, identifying her as a woman of rank: only important women may sit on a stool. An inverted-heart-shaped headdress and firm, generous breasts. A prominent, straight nose beneath brow ridges replaced by two rectangles with striations forming small diamonds, and a rectangular mouth with a slightly curved lower lip. The hands are held before the belly, not interlaced but meeting at the fingertips. Curiously, they remain apart from the body while the arms are held against the sides. Ritual scarifications at the corners of the lips, on the breasts and on the neck are highlighted with kaolin, as are the spaces between the fingers. An expression of gentleness, meditation and serenity. Glossy brown patina. It may be a statue from a family altar.