Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

Jealousy is not limited to this world.

The Baule of the Ivory Coast believe in an alternate world running parallel to ours, where every person has a spouse. If that spirit partner grows jealous or troubled, a figure may be carved and cared for to keep the relationship in balance. This blolo bla, a spirit wife, was carved in wood in the 20th century.

She stands eight inches tall with slightly bent knees and arms at her sides, painted bright red, with a black coiffure, black eyebrows and breasts, and a sky-blue wrap at the hips. Her round base is worn to bare wood.

Keep her happy. Everyone does better.