Attie (or Akye) Figure, Lagoons Region, Ivory Coast

Merton D. Simpson, New York, acquired in 1974
Acquired by the present owner from the above

Very good condition for an object of this age and exceedingly rare type. Weathered and worn, with thickly-encrusted surface of ritually applied material which is crumbling, chipping, and flaking. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions chips, cracks, and small losses consistent with age and use. Glossy blackened patina to wood on reverse. Permanently fixed to modern metal base.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Figures from the Lagoons region of Ivory Coast like the present example, in which the body is composed of a vertical rectangular "ladder", are extremely rare.  Little is known of Lagoons sculpture in general, and the particular use of these figures remains enigmatic.  The present example as well as others in this small corpus are pierced at the head, presumably for suspension.  An example from the collection of Brian and Diane Leyden (see Fogel 2012: 115) reveals a typical facial morphology in the style that is referred to variously as Ebrie, Akye, or Attie, while more abstract examples like the present sculpture are more difficult to assign.  For two other examples see Sotheby's, Paris, June 15, 2004, lot 125 and Sotheby's, Paris, December 4, 2008, lot 98.  Notwithstanding the paucity of knowledge about their function, these figures employ an inventively reductive abstraction of the human form, and are a testament to the artistic intelligence of Lagoons sculptors.  The present example bears signs of significant age and is encrusted with thick layers of ritually-applied materials from a long period of use in situ.