Baule Carved Figure Sculpture 118.1

This hand-carved male figure, likely representing a Blolo Bian (spirit spouse), exhibits the characteristic hallmarks of Baule sculptural tradition. The deep, dark patina suggests age and ritual handling, while the intricate surface details highlight the status and character of the ancestor or spirit represented.

​Key Features

• ​Origin: Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire)
• ​Ethno-Linguistic Group: Baule
• ​Material: Hardwood with a dark, polished patina
• ​Subject: Male figure (Blolo Bian)

​Artistic & Cultural Details

​Iconic Headdress

​The figure is crowned with a dramatic, three-pointed coiffure or crown. In Baule culture, elaborate hairstyles are more than just fashion; they signify cleanliness, social standing, and civilization. The sharp, vertical spikes on this piece create a powerful silhouette that draws the eye upward.

​Scarification & Ornamentation

• ​Scarification: Fine, cross-hatched patterns are carved into the torso and chest, representing traditional beauty marks that denote a person of high social refinement.
• ​Ritual Accents: The figure wears a simple red cord around the neck and waist, common in West African statuary to signify protection or to tether the spirit to the physical object.

​Proportions & Pose

​The figure stands in a classic, stable posture with slightly flexed knees—a position suggesting readiness and vitality. The hands are resting at the sides or towards the abdomen, emphasizing the navel, which the Baule view as the vital link between generations.

Size:- 35cmH x  8cmW x 7cmDepth