Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse

Long limbs, worn red paint, and nothing left to hide.

This slender wooden spirit spouse, or blolo, was carved by Baule artists of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, in the 20th century. Baule figures of this kind are commonly kept for a partner in the unseen world and are often shown at the height of their looks. Here the body is stretched and narrow, with a long neck and a crested head. The red paint has rubbed to a soft finish, and the feet are carved large and flat.

About twelve inches tall. Austere, with a lot of presence.