Receptacle with anthropomorphic lid "kwle"

wood, insect caused damage, slight traces of usage

The Baule used these vessels to store shea butter and ointments, because they placed great value on bodily cleanliness and beauty.

The anthropomorphic heads on the lids of the containers reflect the ideals of beauty placed upon their owners: a carefully arranged hairstyle, elaborate scarification marks and a finely shining surface as a symbol of well-groomed facial skin.