{"product_id":"baule-carved-figure-sculpture-118-1","title":"Baule Carved Figure  Sculpture 118.1","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThis hand-carved male figure, likely representing a \u003cb\u003eBlolo Bian\u003c\/b\u003e (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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eKey Features\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eEthno-Linguistic Group:\u003c\/b\u003e Baule\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardwood with a dark, polished patina\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eSubject:\u003c\/b\u003e Male figure (Blolo Bian)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eArtistic \u0026amp; Cultural Details\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eIconic Headdress\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​The figure is crowned with a dramatic, \u003cb\u003ethree-pointed coiffure\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eScarification \u0026amp; Ornamentation\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eScarification:\u003c\/b\u003e Fine, cross-hatched patterns are carved into the torso and chest, representing traditional beauty marks that denote a person of high social refinement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eRitual Accents:\u003c\/b\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​\u003cb\u003eProportions \u0026amp; Pose\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e​The figure stands in a classic, stable posture with slightly flexed knees—a position suggesting \u003cb\u003ereadiness and vitality\u003c\/b\u003e. The hands are resting at the sides or towards the abdomen, emphasizing the navel, which the Baule view as the vital link between generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSize:- 35cmH x  8cmW x 7cmDepth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Botanical Boys","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52903441760480,"sku":"BBSONG7404BOT","price":278.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.carouselstore.co.uk\/products\/baule-carved-figure-sculpture-118-1","provider":"Carousel Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}