Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

Nearly black, nearly silent. A figure that has settled into itself.

This eleven-inch Baule spirit spouse from Ivory Coast was carved in the 20th century. The Baule understand the spirit world as running alongside our own, and a figure of this kind helped keep a person on good terms with the partner who lives there. Her coiffure is arranged in rounded lobes, the face enlivened by small touches of white and red paint at eyes and cheeks. A ringed neck, small breasts and long arms lead to a white loincloth spotted in red. Cracks and rubbing show along the body, and the base is worn.

Small touches, big effect.