A finely carved Baule figurative gong beater (lawre waka), depicting a standing male figure in a slender, elongated form with his arms resting at his sides.
The surface displays a rich, worn patina, smoothed over time through repeated handling during divination rituals, particularly where the instrument was held by the diviner.
Originally, this beater was used to strike a bell-shaped iron gong within the privacy of the diviner’s shrine before the commencement of a public divination session. The resonant sound was believed to induce trance and facilitate communication with the nature spirits (asye usu). Should the diviner sense the spirits departing before the conclusion of the ritual, the gong would be struck again to recall their presence.
Reference: Rand African Art
Estimated Period: Mid-20th Century
Provenance: Ex Private Collection, London
Height: 24 cm
Presented on a custom made stand as shown
(Click on Images to Enlarge)
