
Second third of the 20th century, Carved wooden gnamien kpan (mouse oracle) box and cover, The lidded cylindrical container is surmounted by a domed finial (removable) and is accompanied by a sculptural seated female figure with prominent coiffure, stylised features, and arms folded in a protective pose across the abdomen. The figure is positioned against the side of the container, suggesting spiritual guardianship of the oracle’s contents. The vessel bears a worn and encrusted surface with remnants of red, white, and dark pigmentation, indicative of prolonged ritual use, 46cm high 36cm deep 21cm wide
Provenance - Private UK Collection,
Note - for similar examples see Bishop & Miller lot 3439795,
Note - The Baule (also spelled Baoulé) are one of the most prominent and artistically influential ethnic groups of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), part of the larger Akan cultural group. They migrated westward from present-day Ghana in the 18th century and established a powerful kingdom in central Côte d’Ivoire. Unique among West African practices, mouse divination is a Baule method of spiritual consultation in which a mouse considered an intermediary interacts with symbolic objects inside a carved box. The diviner interprets the mouse’s movements to answer specific questions about illness, disputes, or misfortune.
crack running down the body with iron staple repairs, general marks and wear, scuffs.
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3 | 1 Jul, 14:47 | 42 EUR |
2 A | 1 Jul, 14:47 | 36 EUR |
2 | 1 Jul, 08:43 | 35 EUR |
The reserve price of 35 EUR was met. | ||
1 | 25 Jun, 06:07 | 29 EUR |
Second third of the 20th century, Carved wooden gnamien kpan (mouse oracle) box and cover, The lidded cylindrical container is surmounted by a domed finial (removable) and is accompanied by a sculptural seated female figure with prominent coiffure, stylised features, and arms folded in a protective pose across the abdomen. The figure is positioned against the side of the container, suggesting spiritual guardianship of the oracle’s contents. The vessel bears a worn and encrusted surface with remnants of red, white, and dark pigmentation, indicative of prolonged ritual use, 46cm high 36cm deep 21cm wide
Provenance - Private UK Collection,
Note - for similar examples see Bishop & Miller lot 3439795,
Note - The Baule (also spelled Baoulé) are one of the most prominent and artistically influential ethnic groups of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), part of the larger Akan cultural group. They migrated westward from present-day Ghana in the 18th century and established a powerful kingdom in central Côte d’Ivoire. Unique among West African practices, mouse divination is a Baule method of spiritual consultation in which a mouse considered an intermediary interacts with symbolic objects inside a carved box. The diviner interprets the mouse’s movements to answer specific questions about illness, disputes, or misfortune.
crack running down the body with iron staple repairs, general marks and wear, scuffs.
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19 Charles Industrial Estate,
Stowmarket, Suffolk
IP14 5AH
United Kingdom