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Baule
The Baule are a characteristic people of the central zone
of the Ivory Coast. They are a Nigritic tribe, speaking the
Akan language, and are ruled by an upper class related to
the Ashanti. The Baule relate that their feudal kingdom was
founded about 1730 by Queen Aura Poku.
The Baule believe in many gods, in the creator god Alurua,
the god of heaven Nyamye (whose symbol is the ram), the earth
and mother goddess Assye and the wind god Gu as the organizer
of the world, into which he blew his breath. Guli or Kakagye,
the powerful bull-headed spirit, and Gbekre, with the Baboon's
head, are sons of Nyamye.
The inspiration for the art of the carver amongst the Baule
probably came from the Senufo and the Guro. Amongst the Baule
the art of carving is carried out by professional carvers,
and not by Smiths as in the West Sudan. The art of the Baule
spans a wide range of qualities. If they are masterpieces
they are marvelously poetic in their expression and so attractive
that they are amongst the favorite prizes of collectors.
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