A slim standing woman carved in dark wood and polished to a deep, glossy black. She has an elongated, ringed neck, a close cap of carved hair and almond eyes touched with white. Her hands rest at her sides, her legs are straight and her feet are set on a small square block, which gives her a calm, upright poise. The face is composed and a little remote, in the manner of figures made in the Baule style of West Africa.

The dark finish is the first thing the eye reads, and in a room it works as a vertical accent: a single dark shape against a pale wall, or a quiet partner for books and pottery on a shelf. At 14 inches tall, it fits a console, a mantel or a bookcase. Give it a plain background and enough space around it to let the outline show.

Specifications

• Era: Mid 20th century (estimated)
• Origin: West Africa, Baule style (attribution unconfirmed)
• Material: Carved wood with a dark patina, wood display base
• Size: 3"(W) x 3"(D) x 14"(H)
• Color: Dark black-brown with a glossy finish
• Condition: Used. Wear consistent with age & use, including small surface marks and patina, which is part of its character & historical value. Shown on a black display base.

This West African figure, carved in the Baule style, shows a standing woman with a ringed neck and a glossy dark patina. It is 14 inches tall on a small display base. It suits a shelf, a console or a mantel.

Q&A
1. Why do some African figures have ringed necks?
Rings on the neck are a sign of beauty and status in many West African carving traditions, and they show up as folds or bands in figures of women. They also give the neck an elegant length. The detail varies from one carver and region to the next.
2. What does a dark patina on carved wood mean?
A dark patina can come from age, handling, oils and smoke, or from a polish and dye applied by the carver. On an old figure it adds depth and softens the tool marks. A glossy, even black can be either, so it helps to ask how the piece was finished.

• **Please bear in mind that colors of products shown may vary slightly from their original color due to monitor display settings or photography studio.