Anyi Attye Maternity Figure with Children on Stool Côte d'Ivoire

The Anyi, also known as the Agni, are an ethnic group native to the tropical forests of eastern Côte d'Ivoire and western Ghana. They speak a language within the Kwa branch of the Niger-Congo language family. Renowned for their sculptural traditions, the Anyi created a distinctive corpus of figures, primarily depicting full-frontal, standing female forms characterized by robust, muscular limbs and highly stylized, evocative facial features. These figures are marked by an incised mouth, a T-shaped nose, large, globular eyes, button-like scarifications, and intricate coiffures divided into raised masses, showcasing the group's emphasis on symbolic representation and aesthetic formalism.

The figures are often adorned with miniature gold necklaces and have developed a rich patina over time, adding to their mystique and spiritual significance. It is believed that these sculptures were used by traditional healers, or spiritual practitioners, to communicate with spirits in the other world. The figures likely served as intermediaries in rituals intended to seek guidance, healing, or protection from the spirit realm. Additionally, some of these sculptures were awarded as prizes to exceptional dancers, linking the physical act of performance with spiritual honor and status within the community.

In the mid-18th century, following their expulsion from Ghana by the Asante, the majority of the Anyi people migrated westward into present-day Côte d'Ivoire. This migration, alongside their artistic practices, highlights the resilience of the Anyi’s cultural and spiritual traditions, particularly their sculptural arts, which continue to serve as an enduring link between the physical and spiritual realms. The figures themselves not only represent the artistic prowess of the Anyi but also embody the intricate ways in which their art is intertwined with both social and religious practices.

150882