Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

The neck is the whole story. Long, banded in black, and carrying a real strand of disc beads.

This fifteen-inch Baule spirit spouse from Ivory Coast was made in the 20th century. Figures of this type gave form to a partner from the spirit world, whose goodwill was thought to affect life among the living. The body is glossy red, with a tall black crest of hair and a narrow, angular face. A white collar sits at the base of the neck, wrapped by the beads and a small pendant. The arms are angular, and the long legs rise directly from a small red plinth.

Elegance, by way of elongation.