Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse

Braided hair, ringed neck, and a red that means business.

Baule carvers of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, made this spirit spouse in wood in the 20th century. Called a blolo, it commonly honors a partner from the spirit world and is carved to the Baule ideal of beauty, with a ringed neck and a neat, ridged coiffure. This example is glossy red with black hair, outlined eyes and open spaces cut between arms and torso. Beads are suggested at the chest, and the figure rests on a black base.

About fifteen inches tall. High gloss, high standards.