Figure, Baule; Ivory Coast; Wood; H. 16"
These standing elders likely present
mates called ‘blolo bian' who live in
the "other world." These spirits would
have been revealed through divination following
a crisis or a problem related to sexual dysfunction
in marriage. The carving of a figure of this kind
is commissioned as a stand-in for the other world
mate, and offerings are placed at its feet. These
three examples illustrate some of the variety that
may be found in traditional Baule carving. Though
structurally, the overall poise and proportion are
similar, such details as the style of the coiffure,
beard, scarification patterns, and the position
of the hands are not only at the discretion of the
individual carver but may indeed serve as a "signature
piece" for a particular artist.
