Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse

Beads at her throat and waist, and a red that is entirely hers.

This female blolo was carved in wood by Baule artists of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, in the 20th century. Spirit spouse figures are commonly shown adorned, since beauty is part of what they stand for. She is painted a deep, glossy red, with a white bead necklace, strands of beads at the waist, and a neat black coiffure. Her hands meet low on the body, and she stands on a rectangular base with some of the wood left plain.

About ten inches tall. Small, polished and well accessorized.