Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse

Yellow shirt, red face, and the calm of a man with no appointments.

Baule carvers of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, made this spirit spouse figure, or blolo, in wood in the 20th century. Such figures are commonly described as idealized partners from the spirit world, shown well groomed and well dressed. This one wears a bright yellow shirt edged in black over red arms and legs, with a ringed neck and wide, outlined eyes. The paint is crisp, and the tall red base is carved with the body.

About fifteen inches tall. A shock of color for a pale wall.