Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse

A canary-yellow outfit, a black belt, and a sideways glance.

This wooden blolo was carved by Baule artists of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, in the 20th century. Such figures are often described as spirit spouses, and many wear the clothing of everyday modern life. He is painted entirely in a bright yellow, shirt and trousers alike, cinched with a black belt at the waist. The red face has outlined, slightly sideways eyes under a black cap of hair. Black shoes end the legs, and there is no separate base.

About eight inches tall. Small, loud and quite charming.