A rare wood stool fragment with figures

Description:

Baule (?), probably Ivory Coast
H. 33,5 cm
Rare caryatid stool depicting three stylised female figures carrying the round seat on their heads. The figures, with their arms placed across the abdomen, recall Baule and Senufo figures. The facial features also stylistically resemble Baule works. However, the strongly geometrised, partly angular formal aspects suggest influences from neighbouring northern ethnic groups. The originally round base plinth is now only fragmentarily preserved. The figures retain traces of reddish pigmentation/paint.
From the collection of Helmut Zake (1918-1995), Heidelberg, German historian and founder of the Society for Ethnology and Tribal Art, inherited within the family - Fragmented, partial damages and wear due to age