Monkey figure – Wood – Baule – Ivory Coast

This ‘Gbekre’ holds a sacrificial bowl in both hands against his chest. The figure is sitting on a round plinth carved out from the same piece.

Composite figures such as the present one are called ‘Gbekre’ and consist of an ape’s head on a human body. They are part of the ‘Mbra’ cult of the Baule against witchcraft and black magic. These figures are hidden inside the houses of trance priests in the Baule villages and are not allowed to be seen by women. On the occasion of ceremonies of the members of the ‘Mbra cult’, these ‘Gbekre’ are veiled and taken to the bush, where the blood of sacrificial animals (usually chicken), millet gruel etc. are sacrificed to them during trance rituals.

Good condition withtraces of wear and tear. Good patina of age, light wooden figure.