Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

A rival wife, in the next world, can complicate a household in this one.

The Baule of the Ivory Coast believe an alternate world runs parallel to ours, and that each person has a spouse in it. A carved figure gave the spirit partner a place to dwell and receive attention, easing jealousy and restoring harmony at home. This blolo bla, from the 20th century, is a young man about fourteen and a half inches tall in a pale blue-gray collared shirt, short trousers and knee socks over black shoes. Face, arms and knees are painted a vivid red.

The paint is worn and crazed. He stands on a weathered round base, well dressed, in his own fashion, and entirely at home.