Origins and Cultural Meaning
Primarily produced by ethnic groups in the Ivory Coast, such as the Baule and the Senufo, the colon figures reflect the complex relationship between African societies and Europeans during the colonial period. These figures often depict European settlers in Western attire, hats, and other symbols of power. Although they may seem like a simplistic representation at first glance, the colon figures are actually a form of social critique, using art to explore the tensions, adaptations, and resistances that arose during colonization.
These types of figures were commonly produced in rural villages, where artisans carved local wood using hand tools like knives and chisels. The choice to represent colonizers in a stylized and, in some cases, humorous way reflects how African artists interpreted and responded to colonial presence in their lands.
Techniques and Materials
This figure was hand-carved using local hardwood, one of the most accessible raw materials in Ivory Coast villages. The creation process begins with sketching the figure on a wooden block, and then rudimentary tools are used to shape the finer details, such as the clothing, face, and accessories carried by the colonizers. Once carved, the piece is polished and often painted with natural pigments obtained from minerals, plants, and earth from the region.
The details of this figure, like the colonizer's clothing, posture, and expressive face, reveal an artistic style typical of the time. Colon figures often present elongated bodies and slightly oversized heads, giving each piece a characteristic and symbolic aesthetic.
Purpose and Beliefs
Colon figures were not only decorative elements but also pieces loaded with social meaning. Although colonial elites often bought them as curiosities or souvenirs, for African artisans, they held a deeper value. Through these figures, sculptors explored the differences between cultures and subtly commented on the impact of colonization on their daily lives. These pieces were sometimes considered a reminder of foreign presence and influence, but also as a way to appropriate this influence, reinterpreting it from an African worldview.
In certain cases, the figures could have a ritual use as protective objects in the village, although more commonly they were intended for sale, adapting to the market created by European visitors interested in acquiring a "vision" of colonial Africa.
Artistic and Historical Value
Today, colon figures are highly appreciated by collectors and museums around the world, not only for their unique aesthetic but also for their historical significance. These figures encapsulate a key period in African history, with each one telling a complex story of colonization, resistance, and artistic creativity. The value of these pieces has grown significantly as they represent one of the most interesting forms of traditional and contemporary African art, bridging two worlds.
This colon figure, originating from a village in the Ivory Coast, offers a glimpse into the interaction between local cultures and foreign influence, embodied in an art that has survived through the years, keeping alive the memory of an era that profoundly marked the continent's history.
English GB
Español 
