Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

Seated, in a turquoise skirt, holding a round amber-yellow something in her lap. We are not told what.

The Baule of Ivory Coast carved this spirit wife in the 20th century, in modern dress. They speak of a parallel world from which a spirit spouse may make demands on the living, and a carved figure, kept close and cared for, was meant to keep that relationship content. Thirteen inches tall, she has a glossy black-brown body, white-rimmed eyes and hair gathered into rounded side lobes. A white blouse is painted across her chest.

A cheerful palette. She is nearly conversational.