Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse Figure

When the spirit spouse is unhappy, the household is unhappy. The Baule understood this and carved accordingly.

In their belief, a world parallel to ours is home to each person’s spirit spouse, and a carved figure could satisfy that spouse and restore harmony. This blolo is female, eleven inches, Ivory Coast, 20th century. She stands with hands on her thighs, painted glossy red from head to foot. Serrated black coiffure, arched brows, outlined eyes. Black breasts. White feet and a white band at the hips. The round base has a split and some paint loss.

Calm, alert. A good houseguest.