Nude young woman sitting on a traditional seat in a hieratic posture. The generous belly and breasts symbolize fertility and fecundity. This "Guannyeyi" statue was kept in a sanctuary of the Guan initiation society, and was invoked during rites of passage of rank and for protection of the fields and abundant harvests. Wood with brown patina, age marks, missing braid and minor surface erosion. Bambara, Mali. Presumed date of manufacture: first half of the 20th century. Provenance: former Marcabru collection, Paris, acquired from the former Jean Pierre Laprugne gallery in the 1980s. Height Height : 68.5 cm A certificate of authenticity from expert Serge Reynes will be given to the buyer.

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