Batie Figure

Grasslands, Cameroon
19th-early 20th c

Provenance:  Private American collection, acquired from Philippe Guimiot, Brussels in 1994.

This rare Batie figure radiates raw power. The bulging stomach, clenched hands, and sharp-toothed grimace give the sculpture a raw intensity. Figures of this type were created to embody protective forces, channeling ancestral spirits to guard the community and ensure prosperity. Its glossy, time-worn patina speaks of long ritual handling, heightening its aura of presence and potency.