Standing male figure with knife (probably hunter/guardian)

Title: Standing Male Figure with Knife (Probably Hunter/Guardian)
Population: Baoulé (Akan) – conservative but probable attribution
Geographical Area: West Africa – Ivory Coast
Date: 20th century (first half/middle of the 20th century; stylistic attribution)
Material: Carved wood with a polished dark-brown patina
Dimensions: h. 41 x 11 x 9 cm
Original Function: Probable protective or domestic cult/shrine figure (ancestor/spirit sphere) with hunter/guardian iconography; the knife emphasizes defense and power. In the Akan/Baule area, knives and swords are common as signs of authority or ritual instruments.