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Rare Baule Mouse Oracle Box (Gnamien Kpan) Ivory Coast, Mid-20th Century Carving
$8,659.77
£6,300
€7,399.44
CA$12,077.87
A$13,083.32
CHF 6,888.90
MX$158,804.47
NOK 85,913.24
SEK 81,228.95
DKK 55,238.94
About the Item
Rare Baule Mouse Oracle Box (Gnamien Kpan), Ivory Coast, Mid-20th Century – Carved Wooden Ritual Vessel with Female Guardian Figure
A striking and rare example of Baule ritual art from Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), this mouse oracle box (gnamien kpan) dates to the second to third quarter of the 20th century. Carved in wood with a removable domed lid, the cylindrical container is accompanied by a sculptural seated female guardian figure.
The figure is rendered with a prominent coiffure, stylized facial features, and arms folded protectively across her abdomen symbolizing guardianship of the oracle’s sacred contents. The vessel surface bears a naturally aged patina with worn encrustations and traces of red, white, and dark pigmentation, indicating prolonged ritual use.
📏 Dimensions:
Height: 35 cm
Depth: 33 cm
Width: 22 cm
Provenance: Private UK Collection
Cultural & Historical Significance
The Baule (Baoulé) are among the most renowned and artistically influential peoples of Côte d’Ivoire, belonging to the larger Akan cultural group. Migrating from present-day Ghana in the 18th century, they established a powerful kingdom in central Côte d’Ivoire.
Unique within West African traditions, mouse divination was a Baule method of spiritual consultation. In this practice, a mouse, considered an intermediary, interacted with symbolic objects inside a carved box. The diviner then interpreted the mouse’s movements to address questions of illness, disputes, or misfortune.
This piece is not only a ritual object but also an exceptional decorative artwork, suitable for collectors of African art, museums, or refined interiors seeking authentic cultural heritage.
Baule mouse oracle box, African ritual vessel, antique Baule sculpture, Ivory Coast tribal art, Akan divination object, African wooden oracle box, rare Baule gnamien kpan, collectible African art, 20th-century Baule carving.
- Dimensions:Height: 31 in (78.74 cm)Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)Depth: 33 in (83.82 cm)
- Style:Primitive (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1930
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Wembley, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: DEC1211stDibs: LU967946905732
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Southampton, , United Kingdom
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