Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse

Arms tucked behind his back, as if he has just been caught early.

Baule carvers of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, produced this wooden spirit spouse in the 20th century. Called a blolo, such a figure commonly stands for a partner in the unseen world and is shaped to look handsome and composed. Here the head and arms are red, the torso is a glossy black, and a pair of grey shorts sits above long, straight legs. He stands on a low oval base worn smooth at the edges.

About thirteen inches tall. Two colors, one excellent posture.