TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:     
    Colonial Figures

    The Baule and related groups from Ivory Coast create these
    figures to serve as spirit spouses (blolo bla). They are kept
    secretly in private sleeping rooms and are objects of
    personal devotion. From birth Baule children are taught that
    they have a spirit spouse that will guide them and bring them
    good fortune throughout life. These spirits eventually receive
    a sculpture.

    In the old days these sculptures depicted traditional Baule
    hairstyles and scarifications, however, since the beginning
    of the twentieth century (1900's) onward the Baule have
    been wearing western clothes and authentic Baule sculpture
    has reflected these changes. Spirit figures are kept indoors
    and usually do not receive libations poured directly over
    them, they are often kept wrapped up when not in use, they
    are not displayed therefore they are often in excellent
    condition for their age with a light patina and little or no
    encrustation.

Ethnic Group:             
    Baule Society

Country of Origin:          
    Ivory Cost

Material:            
    Wood     
    Paint      

Deminsions:
    8"

Reference: