Baule Figure

Ivory Coast

Mid 20th c

19 7/8 inches high x 3 inches wide

Ex: New Mexico collection

$ 2,400

Inv. #A3773

Baule spirit spouses were prescribed by diviners and carved to represent an alternate husband or wife from the spirit world.  These figures were conceived as a receptacle for spirits to appease, honor and communicate with it's owner.  This male spirit spouse called Blolo bien, stands on a circular base with legs bent, arms carved in relief and hands resting on the abdomen.  The phallus is covered by fiber, there is scarification on the abdomen, chest, back and face.  The head is elongated, the coiffure crested there is a long plaited beard and pigtail in the back.

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