Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

Sandals instead of a base. This one is ready to leave the room, if asked.

This eleven-inch Baule figure was carved in Ivory Coast in the 20th century. The Baule hold that everyone has a spouse in the spirit world, and a carved likeness could be commissioned to calm that partner and bring balance to earthly life. A ridged yellow coiffure crowns the head. The body is bright, glossy red, with white eyes, a small mouth, and hands resting on the hips beside the navel. A black-outlined loincloth crosses the hips, and the sandals have black soles.

The paint is in good order, with only light wear. Rather smart.