Baule Female Carved Wood Painted Dream Spouse Spirit Statue - IvoryCoast

Description

Baule Female Carved Wood Painted Dream Spouse Spirit Statue  - IvoryCoast Baule Tribe, IvoryCoast, Africa Vintage 1900s Displays exceptionally well - STRIKING!UNIQUE Condition as described above Appraised as ‘Mid-Quality Carving” Size (apx): 10” x 2 ¼” This is a unique handmade, hand carved and hand painted statue from the Baule Tribe of the Ivory Coast. This statue represents a person's dream world spouse. The problems faced in the daytime world would be discussed and resolved with the help of this spiritual mate. These dolls were usually given a special place in the household and food and offerings would be given to the statue.  Wooden sculptures and masks allow a closer contact with the supernatural world. Baule statues are usually standing on a base with legs slightly bent, and their elongated necks supporting a face with bulging eyes. The coiffure is always very detailed and is usually divided into plaits.  Baule figures answer to two types of devotion: one depicts the “spiritual” spouse who, in order to be appeased, requires the creation of a shrine in the personal hut of the individual. A man will own his spouse, the Blolo Bian, and a woman her spouse, the Blolo Bla. The Baule believe that before they were born into the world they existed in a spirit world, where each one had a mate. Sometimes that spirit mate becomes jealous of their earthly mate and causes marital discord. When this happens, a figure depicting the other world spouse is carved and placated with earthly signs of attention.  Please see all pictures which are part of the description of this statue and of its condition. Sold “as is.”Priced within appraised value range. Why selling? Seniors downsizing. She needs a good home!