Baule Carved Figure Sculpture 118.1

A hand-carved Baule male figure from the Ivory Coast, most likely a Blolo Bian, or 'spirit spouse'. In Baule belief everyone has a partner in the spirit world, honoured through a carved figure like this; the deep, dark patina speaks of age and ritual handling.

It's crowned with a dramatic three-pointed coiffure — elaborate hairstyles signalled refinement and social standing — and the torso carries fine cross-hatched scarification, traditional marks of beauty. A red cord at the neck and waist ties the spirit to the figure, and the slightly flexed stance emphasises the navel, which the Baule saw as the link between generations.

Size: H 35cm × W 8cm × D 7cm.