Standing male ancestor figure "blolo bian" ·  Côte d'Ivoire, Baoulé · ID: 3036661

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, remains of dark brown patina, partly encrusted, pleasing facial features, fine carved coiffure, the hands not resting on the belly as usual but worked free, slightly dam. (hands), missing parts through insect caused damage, rep. (both ankles, left leg, base), base;
either representing a “blolo bian” figure (= male partner from the other world") or an “asie usu” figure (= bush spirit). The latter might be proved by the sacrificial traces. Bush spirits are displayed between the fortune teller and the client during a public performance. But unless collected in situ, the actual function of a figure cannot reliably be determined.