Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

Everyone, say the Baule, has a spouse in another world. It pays to keep that spouse happy.

This blolo bian, or spirit spouse figure, was carved in wood in Ivory Coast in the 20th century. The Baule (pronounced bow-lay) believe in an alternate world running parallel to the living one, and a figure of the spirit partner may be carved so it can be cared for and honored. This male figure stands with arms at his sides. His body is painted bright red, with blue shorts and a black coiffure of fine combed ridges, and the face has wide, outlined eyes.

Eleven inches, paint chipped at the edges. Well loved, then.