Wood, beads, brass
Baule, Cote d’Ivoire, early-mid 20th century
Literature: P. L. Ravenhill “Baule Statuary Art: Meaning and Modernization”, Institute for the Study of Human Issues, Philadelphia, 1980
Dimensions (length x width x height): 13 x 2 ½ x 2 ½ in. (33 x 6.4 x 6.4 cm)
Provenance: New York Private Collection

Blolo bla or "other world spouses," are kept in personal shrines where offerings are made to them and where they are close to their real world spouse. The Baule believe that people are born into the world already married; the spirit spouse has great influence. The figures reflect Baule ideals of beauty and aesthetics as the figures exhibit youthful, well-formed bodies with much attention to details of hair and scarification.

The figure is in good condition with surface loss to the groin, inner thigh and neck. There are minor abrasions present in the coiffure and a stable crack present on the left arm. The figure measures 13 x 2 ½ x 2 ½ in. (length x width x height).