Female ancestor figure "blolo bla"

Description

wood, brown patina, raised scarification marks on body and face, elaborate coiffure, slightly dam., cracks (backside);
the Baule believe that every man has a partner in the hereafter. These partners are embodied by the wooden figures “blolo bian” or “blolo bla” (=female version). Thus being very private items they are kept in the sleeping room, hidden from the eyes of public. In order to keep them well disposed, they receive sacrifical offerings, they are feeded and caressed.