Baule Blolo or Spirit Spouse

Hands pressed to her middle, she keeps her own counsel.

This female blolo was carved in wood by Baule artists of the Ivory Coast, West Africa, in the 20th century. Spirit spouse figures are often kept apart from daily life and fed or addressed to keep relations with the other world on good terms. She has a red face under a dark cap of hair, a pale blue-grey skirt, and red legs ending in dark feet. The round base is painted silver, and the paint shows soft chips and rubbing.

About twelve inches tall. Reserved, red and entirely unbothered.