Figure of a spirit wife "blolo bla", 19th/20th century
Côte d'Ivoire, Baule
sold
EUR 11,000
Provenance
Mrs. Benzinger (deceased in 2009), Solothurn, SwitzerlandAdrian Schlag, Brussels, Belgium (2009)
Size
H: 54 cm
H: 21.3 inch
Description
wood, pigments, rest., base
According to the Baule’s sense of beauty, this figure is the idealized representation of a woman. In terms of facial features, hairstyle and lavish jewellery with scarifications, it also shows a high degree of individuality.
It is the embodiment of a “spouse from the otherworldly world”, whom the Baule believe that they can influence the fortunes of the living.
These figures are designed to serve a single person and have private shrines in the house dedicated to them. Here the spirits inherent in the characters can be contacted and offerings can be made to them thus providing help.
Publications
Adrian Schlag, "Tribal Art Classics VI", Brussels, 2009, p.18 f.AHDRC: 0058218