With over a million people living between the Comoé and Bandama rivers and identifying as such, the Baule represent one of the largest ethnic groups in Côte d'Ivoire. Living in villages organically organized into compounds centered on family courtyards that open onto communal gathering space, the Baule form independent communities of farmers. They grow sweet potatoes, corn, kola nuts and cocoa and supplement their diet with fish and pastoralism. A fairly egalitarian society, Baule social and political institutions consist of a centralized government headed by a king or chief who inherits his position along matrilineal lines. However, the elders and members of the Goli association play the role of local representatives and judges. In an environment known for its ambiguity, the geographic area the Baule occupy consists of open spaces surrounded by forest. For centuries, the distinction between the orderly village and the disorienting wilderness beyond has been a central aspect of Baule philosophy. Of course, this way of thinking influenced rich religious traditions, including the Baule belief in a sacred hierarchy composed of the divine couple Nyamien and Asie at the top, mediating deities in the center, and nature spirits at the bottom. In turn, these religious connotations inspired Baule artwork. While researchers such as Susan M. Vogel caution that “art” cannot be described at all from a Baule point of view, simply because their view does not include “art” in the Western sense of the term,” the Baule are nevertheless considered for their craftsmanship as beautiful as it is thoughtful. Intended to be incorporated into the context of a dialogue with the spirit world, Baule artwork...... middle of sheet...... March 19, 2014). Roy, Christopher D. "Adulthood." Art and life in Africa. University of Iowa Museum of Art, http://africa.uima.uiowa.edu/chapters/key-moments-in-life/adulthood/ (accessed March 26, 2014).“Seated Male [Côte d'Ivoire; Baule]” (1978.412.425) In the chronology of Heilbrunn's art history. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1978.412.425 (accessed March 18, 2014). “Tribal African Art”. Museum of African Art. http://www.zyama.com/baule/index.htm (accessed March 24, 2014). University of Iowa Museum of Art. "Trunk." Art and life in Africa. http://africa.uima.uiowa.edu/peoples/show/Baule (accessed 19 March 2014). Visonà, Monica Blackmun. A history of art in Africa. 2nd ed. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 2001.Vogel, Susan Mullin. Baule: African art, Western eyes. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1997.