Female Statue

The Bethé live in western Ivory Coast, with Gagnoa, Daloa and Sobré being their most important cities. They occupy much of a forest area of the richest in cocoa. The Bethé people constitute one of the most important ethnic groups in the country. In times past, it was a hunter's village. They are currently engaged in cocoa and coffee cultivation. Having been, by historical circumstances, a bellicose people, most of their masks were originally masks of war, destined to enkindle their warriors for combat and cause dread to the enemy with its terrifying appearance. Very few beté statues are known, most of them female, and the known male statues are very few.

This little statue represents the mythical mother. Realistic head with expression of sweetness and closed eyes. Pruned in spike except in the fully smooth cranial area, it presents temporary scarifications and a large and artistic scarification that frames a protruding navel. Elongated and ringed neck as a symbol of feminine beauty, well-proportioned breasts and in a rare form in the African statuary. Ears in relief, in double circle, open at the level of scarifications. Well-proportioned body and robust legs. The feet are disproportionate to the body as a whole and in contrast to the smallness of their hands. Rare statue in the Beté country. It may have been carved to commemorate a young deceased mother. These statues were taken out in procession at the votive feasts, to honor the deceased. It is paired with the male statue.