BLOLO BLA STATUETTE - BAOULE - IVORY COAST

Among the Baoulé, we find two major types of statuettes:
- the Asia Usu who will embody the spirits of the bush
- and the Blolo Bian which are the representation of the bridegroom of the afterlife.

It is generally quite difficult to decide which group a statuette may belong to, because their achievements are so close.
According to Baoulé beliefs, men and women generally have a husband (Blolo Bla) or a wife (Blolo Bian) in the afterlife who will manifest in their dreams, in a sexual way.
To appease this spirit, the village soothsayer will advise the creation of a statuette.
Once carved, it will be placed in the room of the man or woman who ordered it and will receive offerings of food, palm oil, ...

From Belgian private collection.

Ethnic group/ culture: Baule
Country of Origin: Côte d'Ivoire
Period: Late 20th century
Material: Wood
In good condition
Height: 37 cm
Width: 10 cm
Depth: 8 cm
Weight: 1.18 kg with stand