Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

One hand raised, a tuft of fiber in it. He is making a point, or perhaps a request.

This Baule spirit spouse from Ivory Coast stands fifteen inches tall and was carved in the 20th century. The Baule believe each person has a partner in a parallel spirit world, and when that partner was thought unsettled, a diviner might call for a carved likeness. The figure is painted brown, with black hair, white eyes and a white line at the brow, plus a painted cord necklace and dark pendant. A red-and-white belt holds a white wrap at the hips, and the block base is speckled blue and red.

Animated, to say the least. Give him the room.