Female Figure

Wood carvings of female figures, locally referred to as "people of wood", are produced by the Kyaman, Gwa, Akye, Abure, Eotile, and Abe groups that make up the Lagoon people of Cote d'Ivoire. These carvings serve a variety of functions. Often intended as portraits of female diviners and specific spirits associated with them, these figures mimic their female owners in dress, beads, and amulets and share a common name. Some share the names of guardian spirits and are thought to protect their owners from spiritual harm. Others serve purely secular functions as portraits of exceptional dancers displayed during their performances. While each carving might refer to a specific individual or spirit, figures such as these collectively embody notions of idealized female beauty. Detailed here are the figure's waist cloth, bracelets, massive feet, and thick, ringless neck on its sloping shoulders. Although the figure is adorned with a crested headpiece, the lack of a detailed hairstyle, the flat pendulum breasts, and the Lagoon people's reverence for mature women suggest this figure depicts a very old and important woman. The serene expression created by the long nose, slit eyes, and half-opened mouth is an expression found in gold pendants, pottery, and staffs created by the Lagoon people.