Baule royal scepter Ivory Coast Wood Height: 30... Lot 132

Baule royal scepter Ivory Coast Wood Height: 30 cm Provenance Lot 198, Christie's Paris sale, June 7, 2005 French private collection Departing from the classical representations of colonial statuary, this sculpted flycatcher's handle appears here as a true figure of power. With accuracy and sensitivity, the artist has succeeded in conveying an ideal of authority through powerful iconographic symbols. The scene, carved in the round, depicts a man straddling a leopard, resting on a rectangular base finely incised with geometric motifs. The figure of the settler is here treated according to established codes, dressed in European style and wearing a colonial hat. The helmet, the supreme emblem of colonial power and authority, was adopted by local chiefs and notables to establish their social status, while at the same time acquiring a touch of Western prestige. Realism and attention to detail characterize this composition, which is full of dynamism, nobility and dignity. The skilfully mastered interplay of textures and materials, sublimated by the intense light patina with brownish-miel highlights, contributes to the overall harmony. The finely hatched round patches of the leopard's coat are matched by the subtle mesh of the figure's uniform and headgear, and the delicate, traditional keloids in relief adorning the neck and face. The symbiosis of the two figures is also based on the treatment of posture and expression. The power and bravery of the leopard, perched on its four legs, is evident in its offensive gaze, signified by its slanted almond-shaped eyes, and in its mouth, wide open with rows of visible teeth. Firmly attached to his mount, the figure leans slightly forward, his face impassive, his gaze fixed and his lips taut, underlining his assurance and determination. Borrowing from the codes of tradition and modernity, this insignia, once worn by dignitaries, exults royal power. The artist has created a work that goes against the grain, demonstrating his ingenuity and ability to provoke dialogue on identity, power and the colonial legacy. While our example is unique in its double association of colonial settler and leopard, a dignitary's chasse-mouche that belonged to Hans Himmelheber and Egon Guenther also features the rare iconography of the leopard at the top. The striking stylistic resemblance between the two objects - particularly in the treatment of the coat stains - leads us to believe that they were made by the same workshop, or even the same artist.