About this piece

The sculptural art of this area can be identified by common characteristics. Carvings feature an elaborate coiffure divided into raised masses and small button-like scarifications on the face. While the influence of their neighbors, the Akan to the east and the Baule to the north, is also apparent.

Used by traditional healers, the role of these figures was to convey messages to spirits living in the other world. Occasionally, they were given as prizes to outstanding dancers.

 

About the Attie People

“The eastern coast of the Ivory Coast comprises an area of lagoons, where the population is divided into twelve different language groups The cultural and stylistic unity of these people justifies grouping the, together for the purposes of this chapter. Before colonization, each village was autonomous and, when threatened, they united to form a ‘confederation’. Unusually, these people are not governed by chiefs, although a man’s social position is determined by his age.”

Source:

Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.

Dave Dahl—CEO Discover African Art

Keywords: Attye, Ebrie, Lagoon Regions, Figure, Statue, Statuette

ID# 1001445