Sprititual Spouse Male FIgure - Wood - Blolo Bian - SUPERB OLD BAULE - Ivory Coast

On a professional customised stand Provenance: ex private collection, Germany ex private collection, United Kingdom A Baule person who experiences physical or emotional distress often seeks the advice of a diviner who might determine that a jealous partner in the otherworld is the cause of the problem. To address the situation, a male or female figure of the type shown here will be commissioned to serve as the focal point for offerings to the spirit partner. The anatomy and decorations of this male example epitomize the Baule ideal of human beauty. Baule figures answer to two types of devotion: one depicts the “spiritual” spouse who, in order to be appeased, requires the creation of a shrine in the personal hut of the individual. A man will own his spouse, the blolo bian, and a woman her spouse, the blolo bla. The Baule believe that before they were born into the world they existed in a spirit world, where each one had a mate. Sometimes that spirit mate becomes jealous of their earthly mate and causes marital discord. When this happens, a figure depicting the other world spouse is carved and placated with earthly signs of attention. Shipping via Royal Mail (unless requested otherwise) within 24hrs after payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured.