Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

Mottled red over dark ground, and a surface like weather seen from above.

This fourteen-inch Baule spirit spouse from Ivory Coast was made in the 20th century to represent a partner from the spirit world, a figure to be honored privately in the owner’s home. A flat-topped black coiffure sits above a face with arched brows, raised marks at the cheeks and an open mouth showing teeth. The arms hang long, hands at the thighs, and a carved belt and shorts circle the hips. Black shoes serve as support. There is no separate base.

It stands on its own feet and needs no apology.