Blo lo bian statue of the BAULE, Ivory Coast, ca 1960

The Baule believe that in the other world called Blolo, all people were married before birth. Called blolo bian, meaning "spirit husband," and blolo bla, meaning "spirit wife," these spiritual husbands follow them in their human lives through sculptures depicting human figures called "waka sran," or " person in wood'. Baule people carve these figures to represent their husbands from the other world and they believe that these spirits influence their human life. So spirit figures are meant to serve a single individual and have private shrines in the house dedicated to them. When a Baule person undergoes any form of anxiety, be it emotional, physical or spiritual, he or she may consult a shaman or a fortune teller. Divination usually reveals that one's ghost husband is jealous or angry and thus is the cause of such distress. Often the proposed solution is to dedicate a shrine called a tata, in which the figure becomes the center and his vengeful spirit can be appeased. The Baule believe that spirit figures can bring good luck in all areas of life. However, it is also believed that each good fortune received by its owner reduces the amount of happiness available to everyone. With that in mind, owners keep all personal belongings and sculptures out of sight in closed bedrooms. While these figures are not considered sacred objects, they were only intended to be used and viewed openly by the individual owner. If the owner chooses to display these sculptures, a covert look called nian klekle is the only acceptable way for Baule people to view these sculptures when displayed as art.

This is a medium sized Baule figure with a limited number of scarifications. Stylistically beautiful statue with a modest, serene appearance. Cut by a craftsman! See the details in the shape of the arms, chest and slightly curved legs. The face is also very beautiful! Shrinkage tear in the foot and right on the head, chip of the ear.

Length: 34 cm
Weight: 461 grams
Origin: Ivory Coast
Date: ca 1960
Provenance: Obtained through Dorchester Auction in the US