Standing female ancestor figure "blolo bla" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Baoulé · ID: 3033961

Description

wood, rich reddish and blackish brown patina, encrusted in some areas, elaborate work: clear cut facial features, crested coiffure with fine grooves, beautiful scarification marks on body and face, typical posture: the arms shortened with both hands resting aside the prominent navel, old collection number on the underside of the base: “7802”, slightly dam., cracks (right side of the head, neck and back, as well as at the base), paint rubbed off, on pedestal;
the Baule believe that every man has a partner in the hereafter. These partners are embodied by the wooden figures “blolo bla” or “blolo bian” (= male 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.