Mbotumbo

These are the names with which the so-called “monkey beggar” is known. The beggar monkey is an important element of the Baule statuery.

The M'Botumbo monkey is the incarnation of Gbekré, the lesser god, genius of the jungle and the fields. Half man, half animal, the monkey often embodies agrarian divinities. The M ́Botumbo appears standing, in a human attitude, with legs slightly bent and arms stretched forward, having, generally, a cup in hand, in an attitude of receiving the offerings.

The name of beggar monkey is also due to the same gesture that can be interpreted as a mendicant attitude.

Gbekré is the son of Ago, the second wife of Nyamyé, the god of heaven, who forms a trinity with Assié, the earth and his son Assasi-na, created by the great god Alurua. The Gbekré is a powerful and fearsome character that can produce possession phenomena. He is respected and feared. The statues that represent him, the M ́Botumbos, are kept in the family altars, inside the houses, to obtain the protection of the families. He is guardian of souls in the other world and judge of those who have misbehaved. It is protector of the living and of the peoples against evil spirits, but it also embodies the force of the devastating animal of the crops. To implore their protection, the BauléAt the time of sowing, they make him offerings and libations, eggs, blood, millet mush, to obtain his favors and a good harvest. A sacrificer deposits an egg in the cup that they usually carry, crushes it against his skull and then sprays it with the blood of a slaughtered animal. These offerings regenerate their protective capacity.

This M'Botumbo holds a cup of offerings against his chest.