spirit wife figure (blolo bla)

Baule, Ivory Coast (8)

WOod. 24" X 4 1/2" X5"

Spirit husband (blolo bian)

akan culture. wood, 43" x 12" x 8.5" (7)

ghana/cote- d'ivoire

gift of donna and thomas l. brumfield, jr

spirit wife (blolo bla) figure

baule, ivory coast (9)

wood.

image source: bayly art museum

Female spirit figure (4)

Baule spirit wife (5)

Standing female figure and seated male figure (6)

male figure

ivory coast: baule.

19th-20th century. wood

39.5 x 11.5 x 6 cm

Spirit wife

wood. (1)

height: 40cm

staatliches museum fur volkerkunde, munich

the hands are resting on the navel as a sign of peace. the hands also represent the spouse being a fertile and nurturing figure. this figure was most likely a large part of its owner's life, indicated by the amount of wear.

This is a beautiful, more asthetic variety of the spirit spouse figure. note the intricate design of the stool and jewelery on the figure. the figure's erect posture indicates a morally upright person.

this figure has many characteristics associated with being sexually attractive and fertile. these characteristics include pointed, fertile breasts and rounded buttocks.

Scarification markings on back, face, belly, and chest, large eyes, strong legs and full belly are all indications of baule beauty ideals

note the elaborate coiffure on this figure, a common characteristic of spirit spouse figures. the neck is elongated, which is a sign of beauty among baule women and girls.

wood. copyright UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History

Gift of George G. Frelinghuysen

note the elaborate coiffure on this figure, as well as the large ears. large calves indicate strength, and contrast with the slender body.