Painted Baule Blolo Bla Figure

The figurative sculptures of the Baule peoples of Cote d'Ivoire are recognizable by their strong, gently curving forms and serene composure. This figure of a woman was carved to represent the spirit mate of a young Baule man. The Baule believe that every individual has a mate who dwells in the "other world," carved figures such as this are commissioned to stand-in for the spirit mate. This "other-world woman" (blolo bla) evokes the Baule ideal of feminine beauty, with a rounded face, wide hips, and intricately braided coiffure. Traditional reds and browns highlight the figure's gentle features.