Superb Old & Rare African,AKYE-ATTIE,Figure,Antique

Old African AKYE-ATTIE Figure

Dimension

21"H  x  5"W  x  6"D

Early 20th century

Custom wood base is included

Age cracks

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Akye (Atye, Attye, Ankye)

Côte d’Ivoire

.The standing or seated statues of the Attye are some of the most beautiful of all African statuary, combining the best
features of Baule artistry with a uniquely "lagoon" appearance.

The bulbous arms and legs, serene face and stunning body proportions common to the Attye show definite Baule
influence, but they are more daring in their execution, with exaggerated volumes, and the resulting effect is unusual
and very striking . These magnificent seated female and male figures are excellent works, with a
dynamic blend of detail and expressiveness, and the carving when viewed from the side reveals an extraordinary
profile.

Unique to the Attye, the prominent, elevated scarification marks are often achieved by the insertion of small wooden
plugs. Representing the forces of female fecundity, these statues are used in rituals to make these forces work. They
are also employed by healers to cure sickness and to convey messages to the spirit world.

Having an area about the size of Germany, squarish Côte d'Ivoire is bordered on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, on
the west by Liberia and Guinea, to the north by Mali and Burkina Faso, and on the east by Ghana. Except for the
western hill country around Man, Côte d'Ivoire is mostly flat. The coastal area is notable for an inland lagoon that
starts at the Ghananian border and stretches 300km (190mi) along the entire eastern half of the coast.

The peoples of the Lagoon area are a loosely-mixed association of 12 different language groups, and their arts are
rare and difficult to attribute. They are all related but, if studied closely, one may find elements that facilitate
identification. The pegs used by the Attye are such a distinction.

Figures among the Attie or Anyi can be a bush spirit. A spirit lover in the other world, or served as a spiritual
presence during sessions with a diviner. Diviners or healers who would make offerings to the figures to carry
messages to the spirit world often used Anyi figures.

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