Baule Figure of a Male Antelope Holding Fish

Lean antelope with one long horn, caught in a polite, thoughtful stare.

This forged metal figure of a male antelope holding a fish is Baule, and dates to the 20th century. It is ivory coast, west africa. Forged metal figures from West Africa are generally made by smiths who shape the metal by heating and hammering, and the result often shows a lively, hand-worked surface. Slender, four-legged animal with a single upright ridged horn, a pointed ear and a lowered muzzle. A crest of tiny notches runs down the back. Dark gray with silvery wear along legs and spine. It is 5 inches wide, 1.5 deep and 5.25 high.

One horn, two ears, and not a single wasted line.