This is a unique handmade, hand carved and hand painted Doll 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. Baule art is sophisticated and stylistically diverse. Non inherited, the sculptor’s profession is the result of a personal choice. The Baule have types of sculpture that none of the other Akan peoples possess. 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 typically raised scarification and 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.  This would be wonderful as home decor or to give as a gift.  Has a crack in the back and shows some age.

11' x 3"       COMES ON STAND

AT BACARA WE STAND BEHIND ALL OF OUR MERCHANDISE. WE
CAN PROVIDE REFERENCES FOR ALL ARTIFACTS THAT WE SELL, AS WELL AS DOCUMENTATION TOWARD THEIR AUTHENTICITY. FULL MONEY BACK GUARANTEE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR DISSATISFIED CUSTOMERS. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MAIN GOAL, AND WE THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT THE WORLD OF BACARA