Baule Blolo Bian Spirit Spouse Figure, African Start Price USD 290.00 Current Price USD 290.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, July 19, 2008 End Time Saturday, July 26, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Baule Blolo Bian Spirit Spouse Figure, African' Description Baule Blolo Bia Spirit Spouse Figure, AfricanType of Object: Standing Male Figure.Ethnic Group: BauleCountry of Origin: Cote d'IvoireMaterials: Wood, beads, pigment.Approximate Age: Mid 20th CenturyDimensions: Height is 15.5 inches.Overall Condition: some age cracks. Damage, Repair: stain from paint, minor cracks in baseAdditional Information: A well carved piece with fine darkened patina. Keloid scarification on face, belly, neck and back, and an elaborate coiffure.The figure is wearing beaded necklace around the neck and a waist belt. Baule figurative statuary is some of the best known and most collected. Finely carved male and female figures ranging is size from 20 to 60 centimeters are generally portrayed in a standing position of formal calmness with arms close to the body and hands resting on the abdomen. Attention is focused upon the head with emphasis given to detailed face and neck scarification and elaborate coiffures. Figures are often enhanced through the addition of gold leaf or by jewelry. Baule figures fall into two categories, the first represents spirits of the wild (asie usu) that live in the bush beyond village boundaries and the second are male and female figures that represent "spirit world" spouses for their owners. "Other world spouses," are kept in personal shrines where offerings are made to them and where they are close to their real world spouse. The figures reflect Baule ideals of beauty and aesthetics as the female (blolo bla) and male (blolo bian) figures exhibit youthful, well- formed bodies with much attention to details of hair and scarification as well as being dressed in what is considered fashionable and, in recent times, European style clothing. The well-carved figures are burnished to a dark glossy patina from much handling.This is a Blolo Bian male spirit Spouse. The Baule believe that people are born into the world already married. This spirit spouse has great influence, for good and evil, over life on earth. After earthly marriage, one night of the week is kept for sleeping with the spirit spouse, and earthly spouses may not sleep together. The carvings are kept very private, and are rarely seen. This is a very classic Baule sculpture carved in an old style not often seen in the market. it would stand well in any collection. Recommended Reading:S. Vogel's "BAULE-AFRICAN ART WESTERN EYES."I have examined this piece and agree with descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, Ph.D. **039696** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!