African colon figures originated among the Ivory Coast’s Baoulé tribe as an often satirical artistic response to colonisation and European influence. The hand-carved wooden statues commonly depict a Europeanised African middle class, or stereotypical attributes of European design - official uniforms, suits, tobacco pipes, distinct hairstyles and hats. The Baoulé waged one of the longest wars of resistance against French colonisation, and the colon style would achieve international popularity following the second World War. The figure’s clothing style and pigmentation symbolises a distinct sense of European modernity, whereby fashion and status were key symbols.

African colon figures originated among the Ivory Coast’s Baoulé tribe as an often satirical artistic response to colonisation and European influence. The hand-carved wooden statues involve at least three craftsmen: the sculptor, the sander, and the painter. They commonly depict a Europeanised African middle class, or stereotypical attributes of European design - official uniforms, suits, tobacco pipes, distinct hairstyles and hats. The Baoulé waged one of the longest wars of resistance against French colonisation, and the colon style would achieve international popularity following the second World War. The male figure stands slumped slightly forward, wearing nothing but a pair of brightly coloured blue shorts and belt. European missionaries would encourage African people to ‘cover up’ in order to instil concepts of puritanism and purdor.