In spite of its appearance, this object shows no signs of tribal use.
The Baule are one of the Akan peoples. They moved west to the Ivory Coast more than 200 years ago and adopted sculptural and masking traditions from their neighbors, the Guro, Senufo and Yaure peoples.
Mbra monkey figures are among the most frightening and powerful of Baule sculptures. They are used by diviners and men's associations for protection. Like sacred masks, they are kept in the bush as they are dangerous for women and kept secret. The heads share some of the stylistic features of the Bo nun amuin masks. The encrusted surfaces are caused by sacrificial offerings.
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