Standing female figure "blolo bla" · Côte d'Ivoire, Baule · ID: 3034846
Description
wood, slightly shiny middle brown patina, black paint in some areas, proportionally large head, fine grooved traditional hairstyle forming an arc from one ear to the other (explicitly named “trè ba”) and pigtail at the back of the neck (known as “trè si kpolè), rich scarification marks, inscribed at the back of the base “279TH”, slightly dam., (eyes, nose, mouth, side lobes, pig tail, right forearm, scarification marks), missing parts through insect caused damage (both feet, front of the base), crack (left side of the head), metal plate;
the Baule are one of the few peoples to have statuettes depicting a spouse who lives in a parallel world and manifests himself out of jealousy, giving rise to impotence or sterility in his living partner. In order to ingratiate himself with this spirit, a person has an effigy made which will become its dwelling place.
Publications
Afrika, De Ten Houten Collectie van Afrikaanse Kunst, Eersel o. J., p. 15, ill. 6Exhibition
Volkenkundig Museum Gerardus van der Leeuw, Groningen, The Netherlands, 1970-1995