Long, low bench - Ivory Coast - Senufo $3600.00
44 1/2 x 17 x 10 1/2" tall

Brass chief figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $750.00
5" tall, ca. 1966, from Ouelikoro

Old bed - Ivory Coast - Senufo $2800.00
71 1/2" long x 20 3/4" wide x 10" high (18" high at highest point).

Largest most detailed Guro mask - Ivory Coast - Guro $1200.00
This is among the finest Guro masks I have ever seen. 32 1/2" tall. Extraordinary. Please click on the image to view 2 closeup images.

Exceptional confirmed authentic - Ivory Coast - Dan $6000.00
12" tall. This mask was confirmed as authentic by the renowned Professor of Art History and African art expert, Dr. Roy Sieber of the University of Indiana.

Long Senufo crocodile bed with turtle - Ivory Coast - Senufo $6000.00

Old colonial figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $1800.00
"Colonial" figures are spirit mates in the form of Europeans. The Baule people believe that an invisible universe exists parallel to ours, in which every person on earth has a mate, ascribed to him or her automatically within that spiritual realm. It is that world of the spirits that controls all life on earth. So when any individual has any kind of problem, be it psychological, physical, social (i.e., a conflict with another person) it can be resolved within the spirit world. The conduit through which humans communicate with that world is the spirt mate of that person. The first time a person has such a problem he or she might visit the tribal healer who will suggest that the suffering person elicit the help of a carver to create a representation of the mate that person has in the spirit world. This gives the person the ability to relate more personally and directly to that spirit mate. When the women, in the cases of these 3 figures, described their other-world mates to the carver to embody them, they revealed their ideal mates as manifesting these European characteristics. This figure is from Boganda, 14 1/2" tall, circa 1950. Note the small gold bead around the neck of this figure. Such gold pieces are often used to adorn objects of spiritual value in order to increase their usefulness, their power. Please click on this photo to see other views of this extraordinary and genuine object. Please see below for a closeup view of the face of this very beautiful figure.

Fetish figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $300.00
12 1/2" long. Please click on the image to see another view of this exceptional authentic wooden double chameleon fetish figure.

Small old Baule knife - Ivory Coast - Baule $250.00
With old spiny oyster shell sheath

Old Baule passport masks - Ivory Coast - Baule $275.00
The overall height of this piece is 7". The term "passport" has been given to these small, personal masks which are the property of an individual signifying his membership in a tribal secret society. Each is genuine, having been made for and used by that person, not for sale. Click on the photo to see 2 more passport masks. The second one is 6" overall ($225.), the third 4" ($150.)

Old brass elephant fetish pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $395.00
6" long, 3 1/2" tall. Genuine, not made for sale.

Divination gong - Ivory Coast - Baule $750.00
14 1/2" tall. Click on the photo for a closeup of the top. The other side of the top has a mask almost identical to the side shown.

Red aloa masks - Ivory Coast - unknown tribe $500.00
These beautiful, non-traditional specialty wood masks are the creation of modern artists in Ivory Coast, applying traditional techniques to extraordinary wood.

Red aloa woman figures - Ivory Coast - Fulani $300.00

Baule spirit mates - Ivory Coast - Baule $750.00
From Mbahiakoro, 14 1/2" tall, circa 1965. Please click on the image to view the second Baule spirit mate, a soldier, 11 3/4" tall, $500.

Wedding spoons - Ivory Coast - Baule $1800.00
The male spoon, mounted is 10 1/2" tall, circa 1965, from Ndolikoro. Couples getting married drink from these spoons not only to profess their loyalty to one another but to prove their faithfulness. If one or the other is not truthful in his or her love, drinking from these spoons will reveal that. The price is for the pair.

Crocodile sheath knife - Ivory Coast - Senufo $500.00
13". Click on the photo to remove the knife from the sheath.

Baule spirit wife - Ivory Coast - Baule $500.00
This is a beautiful, old, mounted piece.

Baule gold bead necklace - Ivory Coast - Baule $20000.00

Baule gold bead necklace - Ivory Coast - Baule $12500.00

3 more old colonial figures - Ivory Coast - Baule $1250.00
This figure is 15" tall and dates to about 1915 from the village of Sakasso. Please click on the image to see 2 more. The second one is from Dembokoro, 11 1/2" tall, circa 1900. The price is $900. The third figure is from Kakaba, 12 1/2", circa 1930, $1,250.

Crocodile and lizard motif disk beads - Ivory Coast - Baule $95.00
The price is per gram. This is the price for all of our gold beads, whatever their size. The figurative pieces are not priced by weight, rather by their design, quality of execution, etc. Please contact us for specific bead weights and prices.

Old flat stool - Ivory Coast - Senufo $2500.00
26 x 18 x 12" tall

Tall woman statue - Ivory Coast - unknown tribe $2500.00
43" tall. Click on the photo to see more views of this beautiful woman figure.

Old forest spirit couple - Ivory Coast - Baule $4000.00
Circa 1890, 11" and 12" tall, from the village of Beoumi. Click on the photo for more views.

Baule brass beads - Ivory Coast - Baule $250.00
The larger beads in this strand measure 2 1/4" in diameter; the smaller ones 7/8".

Old fetish - Ivory Coast - Baule $5950.00
My supplier in Ivory Coast told me this figure is from the village of Guirilan and dates to circa 1900. The distinguished professor of Art History and renowned African art expert, Roy Sieber, personally authenticated this statue for me just 5 months before he passed away. However, Roy doubts it is as old as my supplier told me it is. It is 18" tall. Click photo for a closeup.

Old heddle pulleys, mounted - Ivory Coast - Baule $600.00
The first of these genuine, old pulleys, incorporated into the design of the most common loom used all over West Africa, measures 8",mounted. Click on the photo to see another: 11 1/2" $750

Spindle whorls - Ivory Coast - Baule $450.00
The price quoted above is for a strand of the large old Baule spindle whorls from Ivory Coast (on the left). The excellent quality reproductions of Dogon spindle whorls from Mali (on the right)are $150. per strand

Old detailed design pipe - Ivory Coast - Baule $1450.00
7" long, from Ouelikoro, ca. 1966. I bought this piece together with the seated chief figure and the seated mother and child of the same origin. The dealer from whom I bought these had obtained them all together from a single owner.

Old goldweights - all types - Ivory Coast - Baule $50.00
Geometric were used for centuries to weigh gold and are all at least 100 years old since the practice of using gold as a common unit of exchange ended about 100 years ago. Please click on the image to view two more photos and two more types of old goldweights. The second photo shows a group of assorted goldweights, all $25 each. These are more ordinary in shape but have specific weights and were as useful as the more intricate weights. The third photo shows two shield figurative goldweights, both priced at $175 each.

Divination gong - Ivory Coast - Baule $950.00
22" tall. Click on the photo for a closeup of the top.

Fetish figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $175.00
6" tall. Genuine.

old wood scooter - Ivory Coast - unknown tribe $250.00
9 1/2" long, please click on the image for another view of this very unusal object of African folk art.

Best quality colorful Guro mask - Ivory Coast - Guro $900.00
27" tall. Please click the photo for 2 closeups of this mask.

Genuine mask - Ivory Coast - Yaure $4500.00
Overall mounted height 18", circa 1992, from Beoumi. The mask alone is 13" tall. Please click on the photo to see the mask closeup. This mask was authenticated by the late, renowned African art authority, Roy Sieber, just 5 months prior to his death in 2001.

Mother and child - Ivory Coast - Baule $1750.00
8 " tall

Old drummer figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $450.00
From the village of Ganada, circa 1985, 7" tall

brass elephant goldweight pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $200.00
1 1/2 x 1". This genuine, old and used object was used as a counterweight in the gold trade and was configured when made as a pendant for easy of portability.

Small crocodile pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $5000.00

Ceramic penis pipe - Ivory Coast - Senufo $200.00
This is a genuine object, having been made for use, not for sale. It is 4" long.

Full size door - Ivory Coast - Baule $1500.00
This is a beautiful reproduction.

Old mask on stand - Ivory Coast - Yaure $1250.00
This mask is from Beoumi, circa 1982. The overall mounted height is 19"; the mask itself is 11" tall. Click the photo to see a full view of the mounted piece and another view of it.

Old mask fragment from Afare - Ivory Coast - Baule $2950.00
11 1/2" overall mounted height; the mask is 9 1/2" tall. Circa 1840. This mask was authenticated by the late, renowned African art authority, Roy Sieber, just 5 months prior to his death in 2001. Although Dr. Sieber confirmed its authenticity he did not verify its age. My supplier in Africa claimed it was this old but Dr. Sieber believes it is probably 100 years newer.

Old mortars - Ivory Coast - unknown tribe $75.00
Click on the photo for another variation of these commonly used mortars. There are many variations.

Brass equestrian - Ivory Coast - Senufo $500.00
6 1/4 x 4"

Elephant fetish figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $400.00
10 x 6"

Authentic wari game - Ivory Coast - Baule $2500.00
20 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 7". Please click on the image for 2 more views of this extraordinary, authentic game which was used tribally for many years before anyone ever considered selling it. This piece is of exceptional quality.

Old slingshot - Ivory Coast - Baule $150.00
This slingshot is 7", mounted on lucite. The slingshots are carried by young boys for hunting birds and bats in the forest, sources of protein in places where that is often scarce. However, dangers abound, such as snakes, dangerous insects, and the rare predator. The slings are made, usually, by the father of the boy (though more wealthy families will commission one from a professional carver.) The carvings are talismanic, meant to protect the boy. Most carvings are of deities or spirits, often woodland spirits, which are always female and often red. European nail polish is a favored source of the red color. Masks abound, sometimes with the entire costume used in dance. There is a feeling that the mask carvings function best as protectors if they are facing the source of danger, and "right-side up," rather than upside down. For that reason, a sling will very often have two masks, facing in opposite directions; two masks, one oriented up and one down, or both. There may be up to eight masks, "to cover all the bases". Other subjects for the carving enhance hunting power or the chances of success. These include guns (or many types), soldiers, Christian religious symbols, or powerful animals (elephants, etc.) Occasionally, unusual subjects such as soccer players or soccer trophies will appear. The variety is virtually endless. The sling portion is usually rubber cut from old inner tubes. It almost never survives the stress of transport or the dry climate here.

3 more old slingshots - Ivory Coast - Baule $150.00
This one is 10"; the second is 9". The third is 7". Each is the same price, $150.

Mouse oracle - Ivory Coast - Baule $500.00
16" tall. Many, if not all, African societies incorporate some means of divination into their daily lives. Most Africans believe it is not only possible and reasonable but indispensable to know the future impact of any decision taken in the present in order to determine its advisability. This is accomplished through many techniques; each tribe has its own. The Baule of Ivory Coast use the Gbekre, aka mouse oracle or mouse box, among other methodologies. Oral traditions among the people of the Baule region, including the Yaure and Guro, who may have initiated the practice of mouse divination, indicate that a long time ago mice could speak. As they commonly live in the ground in the forest surrounding the village mice are in close contact with the asye usu, the forest spirits, which see and know all and which, in turn, live closely to the ancestors. Divination experts, those with specialization in all spiritual matters, brought mice into the village to live in captivity. In many African societies animals are believed to have innate insight into the human experience. Specialists spend years in training: they learn to compensate the divinities and the oracle for the enlightenment it provides, to ensure that they will remain favorably disposed and they learn to prepare medications and to interpret a vocabulary of visual signs. There are several ways in which those signs may be generated. In all variations the mouse is placed in the lower chamber of the oracle. One variation is that corn kernels are placed in the upper chamber of the oracle and covered. A yes or no question is asked and if the mouse eats the corn in the time allotted, then the response to the question is affirmative. On the contrary the response is negative. In other variations, small sticks are placed in the upper chamber. The sticks are called gbekre nyma, "the eyes of the mice." Bird or bat bones have also been used. Corn or other food may be placed among the sticks or the sticks may be coated with flour. The oracle is covered and the mouse eats the food though its movements create a new pattern of the sticks which constitutes the sign to be interpreted. Some of the known stick positions include: "open path, favorable augury," "the consultant will receive a visit," "sickness," "death of a woman in the village," "successful labor," "unfavorable sign for a projected marriage," and "death of an individual in another village."

Old fetish figure - Ivory Coast - Tagbana $1250.00
From Koutiala, 13" tall, circa 1900.

Male figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $450.00
18"

Small male figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $1250.00
10" tall, circa 1910, from the village of Ndodelikoro. Please click photo for a closeup

Tiny stool with Janus heads - Ivory Coast - Baule $150.00
7 1/2" tall

Small male figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $1750.00
13" tall, from Lepe, circa 1910. Click on photo for closeup.

Primitive motif mother with 2 children - Ivory Coast - Baule $600.00
Unlike many more realistic versions this is an unusually stylized, often called "primitive", rendition of this imagery ubiquitous among African tribal cultures. This measures 19" tall

Turtle eagle proverb figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $550.00
Africans have a plethora of proverbs. It is common for an artist of any medium to incorporate any of those proverbs in his art. The eagle represents power or a powerful person. The turtle represents the common people. The proverb essentially says that each has qualities which give it value, that they are equal. The eagle cannot hurt the shell of the turtle. This is a genuine object, carved in great detail. It would have been covered with gold leaf and the gold either removed before it was sold or it wore off, or a combination of both. It measures 8 1/2" tall. Please click on the image to see 2 closeups both of which show vestiges of the gold leaf that used to cover the entire piece.

Children in Bouake - Ivory Coast - Baule

Largest Guro mask - Ivory Coast - Guro $750.00
This mask is 30" tall and is very beautifully carved. Please click on the image to see another view of this fine large Guro mask.

New brass elephant fetish figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $95.00
7" long x 4" tall. Reproduction. Click on the image to see 2 smaller versions of this type of item, the small one measures 3 1/2" long x 2" tall, $65. and the smallest one is 1 3/4 x 1 1/2", $45.

Naked male goldweight - Ivory Coast - Baule $300.00
2" tall. Erotic themes are expressed in every medium of African art, including the accessories used in commerce. This is a genuine goldweight, having been made exclusively for use by Africans and used for a long time by the intended recipients. It was not made for sale. Please click on the image for another view of this fine piece.

Old head and monkey bowl - Ivory Coast - Senufo $300.00
This bowl measures 3" front to back.

Old elephant head pipe bowl - Ivory Coast - Senufo $300.00
This bowl measures 4" front to back. Please see our Pipe webpage to see more pipes, though not with elephant motifs.

Old head pipe - Ivory Coast - Baule $200.00
This well patinated old pipe measures 4" long.

Old wood bowl pipe - Ivory Coast - Baule $125.00
This pipe is 6" long.

Tall seated mother with 2 children - Ivory Coast - Baule $1000.00
30" tall. Please click on the photo to see the child holding on to his mother.

Seated mother with one child - Ivory Coast - Baule $750.00
20" tall.

Brass mask pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $250.00
4 1/4 x 2 3/4"

Boys in Korhogo - Ivory Coast - Senufo
Please click on the photo for another boy in the same place

Young man in Bouake where I buy some art - Ivory Coast - Baule

Girls in Bouake - Ivory Coast - Baule
Please click on the photo for more cute kids.

Wood carver in Bouake - Ivory Coast - Baule

My friends in Abidjan - Ivory Coast - unknown tribe
Cheick, Kader and Abdoulaye Conde at the beach at Assinie, east of Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Single chameleon fetish figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $150.00
9 1/2" long. Please click on the image for another view of this authentic, old wooden chameleon fetish figure.

long old bone beads - Ivory Coast - Baule $20.00
These fine old narrow bone beads are about 4 1/4" long.

One side of a hinged sandwich style beauty salon sign & another one with both sides intact - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $500.00
24 x 32", this sign is the remaining side of a sign that originally had 2 sides. Please click on the image to see another sign, from Togo, which measures 43 1/2 x 22 1/2". Each side of this large sign is priced at $400 but If you prefer to purchase both together the price for both, the full 2-sided sign, is $750.

2-sided Barbershop sign - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $750.00
This sign measures 29 1/2 x 40". Please click on the image to see the other side of this sign which is painted on both sides of the same piece of wood. When you click on this image you will also see another view of the sign in the place in Abidjan where we bought it, from the owner of the salon.

Another 2-sided barbershop sign - Ivory Coast - Baule $750.00
This sign measures 24 x 36 1/2". Please click on the image to see the other side of this great painting, as well as another view of it in the place where we got it in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

One-sided barbershop signs - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $500.00
This sign measures 34 x 26". Please click on the image to see two more single-sided signs. The second one measures 16 1/4 x 31 3/4", $300, and is from Ghana. The third, also from Ivory Coast, measures 23 1/2 x 41 3/4", $400.

Brass elephant figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $145.00
9" tall.

Old wood turtle fetish - Ivory Coast - Baule $345.00
15 1/2" long. Please click on the image for another view of this authentic, old, used object.

2-sided sign - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $500.00
This sign measures 39 1/2 x 30". Please click on the image to view the other side of this single piece, painted on both sides, and a third sign, a large artist advertising portrait measuring 26 x 39 1/4", $300.

Double hornbill top yellow face - Ivory Coast - Guro $750.00
24 1/2" tall, Please click on the image for 2 more views of this fine quality and unique design mask.

Large, very elaborate mask - Ivory Coast - Guro $900.00
Even though this is not the most intricately carved mask it is just a notch or two less than the that. It is a beautiful and still very intricate mask. It measures 29 1/2" tall. Please click on the photo for a view of the drummer on the top of it.

Second old colonial figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $1800.00
This figure is from the village of Boganda, 10 1/2" tall, circa 1950. Please see the explanation included in the item entitled "old colonial figure", above. Please click on the image to see 2 more views of this great old object. Please see a closeup of the face of this figure at the bottom of this page by clicking on the image entitled "Closeups of the faces of 3 Baule colonial figures".

Beautifully detailed authentic elephant wari - Ivory Coast - Baule $1950.00
19 x 7 1/5 x 8". Please click on the image for 2 more views of this great object.

Closeups of the faces of 3 Baule colonial figures - Ivory Coast - Baule $1800.00
These are closeups of 2 of the Baule colonial figures found above, on this page.

Bedu mask - Ivory Coast - Nafana $900.00
58 3/4" x 22 1/2". Please click on the image to see a photo of the place I bought this mask and to get a better idea of its size.

Phallic shape pestle - Ivory Coast - Senufo $350.00
31 1/2" tall. This pestle embodies fertility promoting functions.

2-sided beauty salon sign - extraordinarily large - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $1500.00
At 39 1/2 x 78 3/4" this is the largest beauty salon/barbershop sign I have ever seen and it also among the most beautifully painted. Please click on the image to view the other side of it.

Senufo drum - Ivory Coast - Senufo $1800.00
This tall old ceremonial drum measures 38" tall. Please click on the image for another view of this great drum.

Old ceremonial drum - Ivory Coast - Bete $4800.00
This is the only Bete drum of this quality I have ever seen. The extraordinary nature of this drum is due to its excellent condition and very fine intricate carving which covers it. This drum is 31" tall. Please click on the image for another view of this superb scultural object and a closeup of the beautiful detail.

Medicine pestles - Ivory Coast - Baule $49.00
These small pestles are used to grind medicinal and ritual ceremonial products. All are old and used. They measure from 2 3/4 to 5" in length, generally. We have a large variety of them.

old tall stool - Ivory Coast - unknown tribe $300.00
Stools of this type are found commonly throughout West Africa in the compounds of the villages where the majority of the population lives. This one is an exceptionally well executed example of the genre. It measures 18" tall and 10" in diameter.

wood slippers - Ivory Coast - Baule $900.00
These very old and very intricately carved wooden slippers would have been used by Baule royalty and would have been covered with gold leaf, at least the front part covering the toes. They are the full size of a foot, having actually been worn on ceremonial occasions. Please click on the image for another view of these very unusual objects. These are the only ones I have ever seen.

woodblock stool - first set - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $400.00
21 1/2". The man who made these stools did not start out with the intention of making a stool. He chose a hardwood log against which he chopped softer wood into pieces people use to burn to cook over. The log serves to protect the choppers axe. The majority of people in Africa cook over open flames. Wood is the fuel. Slowly, after a lot of wood has been chopped, the log is worn away. The man turns it so it wears evenly and just before it breaks through he stands it up and uses it as a stool. Please click on the image to see 2 more of these haphazardly sculptural objects. The second one measures 19 1/2", the third 19 3/4".

woodblock stool - second set - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $400.00
22 1/2", please click on the image to see 2 more of these unusual design stools. The second measures 18" tall, the third 21" tall.

woodblock stool - third set - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $400.00
20" tall, please click on the image to see 2 more: the second is 28" tall, the third 21".

woodblock stool - fourth set - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $600.00
22" tall. This stool is exceptional among a stool type that is exceptional. Please click on the image to view two more of the regular variety of these beautiful sculptural stools, each of which is $400. The second one of those measures 20" tall, the third one 24".

woodblock stool - fifth set - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $400.00
22" tall. Please click on the image to see another view of this great, if sculptural by chance, object. The fascinating thing about these stools is that every time you turn them they look different. Also here is another one, 22 1/2" tall.

Leopard stool - Ivory Coast - Baule $1950.00
31 1/2" long, 13" tall. Please click on the image to view the other side of this extraordinary sculptural object, and a closeup of it.

Very large fine quality Guro mask - Ivory Coast - Guro $800.00
This 31 1/2" tall mask is very beautifully carved. The quality of this mask renders it an outstanding example of the artistic ability of the mask carvers of Ivory Coast. Please click on the image for another view of this unusually attractive mask.

5 leg stool - Ivory Coast - Senufo $3000.00
This stool is quietly elegant in its simplicity. This is one of the most extraordinary stools I have ever seen. There are plenty of 4 leg round stools though few which are so much taller than they are round and none with an extra, fifth leg in the center, with no apparent function except to demonstrate the exceptional skill of the man who carved it. The height is 18"; the diameter 13". Please click on the image for 2 more views of this truly great stool.

4 leg round stool - Ivory Coast - Senufo $1500.00
15 1/4" tall, 20 1/2" diameter. Please click on the image for 2 more views.

More 4 leg round stools - Ivory Coast - Senufo $1000.00
19 1/4" diameter, 14 1/2" tall. Please click for another view of this one and of another similar stool which measures 18" diameter and 16 1/4" tall, $800.

Small mask image stool - Ivory Coast - Baule $1200.00
This old authentic stool is an unusual carved artifact. 10 1/2" height, 10 1/2" diameter. Please click for another view.

Small horse stool - Ivory Coast - Senufo $500.00
12" from head to tail, 10 3/4" tall.

Akan style stool - Ivory Coast - Baule $750.00
14 1/2 x 8 1/2 x 12 1/4" tall. Please click for another view.

Commercial artist advertising sign - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $500.00
This sign measures 35 x 38 1/2". Please click on the image to see a second similar painting which measures 39 1/4 x 39 1/2", $400. Also visible when you click on the image is another painting, from Ghana, which measures 48 x 24", of 3 older men, ostensibly tribal leaders. I do not know their identities, $400. All of these signs were painted by artists to promote their own commercial art businesses.

Another 2-head beauty salon sandwich sign pair - Ivory Coast - Abron $500.00
Each measures 35 1/2 x 24". Please click to see the other one.

More medicine signs - Ivory Coast - No tribal association $250.00

Hornbill nose horned mask - Ivory Coast - Djimini $600.00
18", please click on the image for 2 more views of this really beautiful and unusually well executed mask.

Simple but appealing - Ivory Coast - Guro $125.00
21 1/2" tall. Although modest this is an appealing mask.

Very elaborate top design mask - Ivory Coast - Guro $800.00
The extraordinarily finely detailed design of the top of this mask makes it one of the most unusual masks to come from the most talented of the Guro mask carvers of Ivory Coast. It measures 26 1/2" tall. Please click on the image to see another view of the full mask and a closeup of the magnificent top design.

Cocoon top crown ring - Ivory Coast - Baule $3950.00
This royal Baule ring bears a representation of a crown, topped by what appears to be a tiny bundle of sticks. That "bundle of sticks" represents, in fact, a cocoon of a type found commonly in Africa (though I do not know its species). The ring is a reference to a proverb which, loosely translated, says that it is a mystery whether a caterpillar builds its cocoon around itself or if it builds the cocoon and then gets in it. The significance is that there is a certain amount of mystery necessary to being a king, or a ruler of any kind. It is not necessary for everyone to understand all that a king understands. From another point of view, this serves also as a justification for his rule: if the king indeed has the knowledge which is a mystery to the public then it is his duty and right to be the king. The fact that the cocoon is on top of a crown reinforces the power of this symbolism.

3 bird ring - Ivory Coast - Baule $3950.00
Please click on the photo for 2 more views of this fine old Baule royal ring.

Square pendant with 2 masks - Ivory Coast - Baule $7500.00
2 1/8 x 1 3/4" (5.3 x 4.4 cm)

Long-haired Baule mask pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $7000.00
2 1/2" tall (6 cm)

Fine detail mask pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $7500.00
2 1/2" tall (6 cm)

Round repousse crocodile bead - Ivory Coast - Baule $7500.00
2 3/8 x 2 5/16" (6.1 x 5.8 cm)

Crescent shape mask pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $7000.00
2 1/2" wide x 2 1/8" tall (6 x 5 cm)

Small Baule mask pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $3000.00
1 1/8" tall (2.7 cm)

small ram figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $2950.00
1 1/2" long x 1 3/16" tall (3.6 x 2.9 cm) Please click on the image for 2 more views of this fine little figure.

Smooth mask pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $7000.00
2 1/2" tall x 1 3/4" wide (6.3 x 4.4 cm) Please click on the image for 2 more views of this fine old pendant.

Fetish animal figure - Ivory Coast - Baule $450.00
10". Please click on the image for a view of the other side and a closeup of this fine old, authentic wood figure.

Intricate bird-top horned mask - Ivory Coast - Guro $600.00
This gorgeous mask measures 22 1/2" tall.

Simple but striking design mask - Ivory Coast - Guro $150.00
This mask measures 26" tall. Please click on the image for another view of this fine mask.

Smaller but unusual mask - Ivory Coast - Guro $250.00
This mask measures 20" tall. Please click on the image for another view of this nice mask.

Fine quality traditional masks - Ivory Coast - Baule $289.00
11 1/2" tall, this mask is a very unusual while completely traditional style of Baule mask. Please click on the image to view another traditional style Baule mask with a painted red face, 16" tall.

Best quality Dan mask with elaborate hair - Ivory Coast - Dan $250.00
9 1/2" tall

Old single chameleon pendants - Ivory Coast - Baule $250.00
Please click on the image to see the reverse side of this very old, worn pendant, and another beautiful, authentic chameleon pendant.

Old chameleon and man pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $400.00
3 1/3" wide.

Beautiful oldest brass chameleon pendant - Ivory Coast - Baule $250.00
1 4/5" wide. This may be the most beautiful, most worn, best quality chameleon pendant I have ever found.

Old brass chameleon hairpick - Ivory Coast - Baule $250.00
7 1/3" long. Please click on the image to see the full object.

Gori helmet mask - Ivory Coast - Senufo $7500.00
This beautiful mask measures 21" long by 12" wide by 9" tall. It dates from circa 1965. Please click on the photo for a closeup and a top view. This mask was authenticated by the late, renowned African art authority, Roy Sieber, just 5 months prior to his death in 2001.

Seated man-top mask - Ivory Coast - Baule $300.00
16" tall. The merchant from whom I bought this mask told me that the man on top of this mask is President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, the first and longest-serving president of Ivory Coast. He remains the most popular figure of modern Ivory Coast.

Double hornbill top yellow face - Ivory Coast - Guro $600.00
16" tall. This Guro mask is very characteristic of genuine Guro masks. Masks such as these are either the property of a single family or of an entire village. The birds are incorporated into the design in honor of them as they may have played an important part in the history of the village or the family which owns it.

Tall firespitter mask - Ivory Coast - Senufo $1250.00
42", including the base. Please click on the image for 2 more views of this NICE mask.

Triple small head-long neck top mask - Ivory Coast - Yaure $300.00
17 3/4", please click on the image for another view of this mask.

Exceptional hairdo - Ivory Coast - Guro $500.00
13 1/4", please click on the image to see another view of this fine design mask, plus a closeup of this great hairstyle.

Warrior mask - Ivory Coast - Dan NGuere $1250.00
17 1/2" tall. The people who use this mask are also known commonly as We (or Wee), Kran, Guere (or Guerre), Please click on the image for 2 more views of this powerful mask.

Ram - Ivory Coast - Guro $750.00
Please click on the image to see 2 more views of this really beautiful mask.

Largest reclining bed - Ivory Coast - Gurunsi $15000.00
Overall length 62", height at tallest point 44 3/4", height at lowest point 10". This is the only object of this type in this size I have ever seen. Please click on the image 2 more views of this magnificent piece of African furniture.