Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

Red face, black beard, green tunic, and a seat he has no intention of leaving.

This nineteen-inch Baule spirit husband was carved in Ivory Coast in the 20th century. Because the Baule hold that each person has a partner in a parallel otherworld, such figures were kept and cared for to keep that spirit companion content. A dark cap with a shining disk ornament crowns his head, and stacked rings circle the long neck. A white necklace ends in a pendant, and his red hands rest on his knees. Scuffs and wear to the paint speak of years of handling.

Dignity, in two colors.