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Baule wood carvings are a traditional form of art originating from the Baule people of Côte d'Ivoire in West Africa. Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship and cultural significance, Baule wood carvings have gained international recognition as a remarkable expression of African art. The Baule people have a rich artistic heritage, and wood carving holds a central place in their artistic traditions. Skilled Baule artisans create a wide range of wooden sculptures, primarily using a type of hardwood known as iroko. These carvings often depict human figures, animals, and various mythological beings. One of the distinguishing features of Baule wood carvings is their attention to detail and realism. Artisans carefully carve the wood to create intricate facial features, body postures, and elaborate hairstyles. They employ chisels, knives, and other hand tools to shape the wood, bringing out the expressive qualities of each sculpture. Baule wood carvings serve multiple purposes within their cultural context. They are primarily associated with spiritual beliefs and practices, serving as vessels for ancestral spirits or deities. These sculptures are believed to act as intermediaries between the human and spirit worlds, connecting the living with their ancestors and providing a channel for communication and guidance. The most notable type of Baule wood carving is the spirit spouse, also known as a "blolo bla" or "asie usu." These sculptures represent the spiritual companion of an individual and are often commissioned for personal and family use. Spirit spouses are depicted as idealized figures, embodying beauty, wisdom, and fertility. They are believed to provide protection, support, and companionship to their human counterparts. éd during ceremonies and rituals, particularly in masquerades, where they serve as a means of connecting with the spirit world and invoking ancestral powers. Baule wood carvings have gained significant recognition in the global art market. They have been highly sought after by collectors, museums, and art enthusiasts around the world. The expressive qualities, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of Baule wood carvings have contributed to their growing popularity and acclaim. In recent years, Baule artisans have also adapted their techniques and subjects to cater to the demands of the contemporary art market. While maintaining their traditional styles and themes, they have incorporated new elements and ideas, blending tradition with modernity. Baule wood carvings are not merely works of art; they encapsulate the cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and aesthetic traditions of the Baule people. They continue to be cherished and celebrated as remarkable expressions of African artistic heritage, showcasing the skill, creativity, and cultural depth of the Baule community. tb1022
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Africa Direct, Inc. has been selling on eBay since 1997 and has received more than 56,000 positive feedbacks. It is owned by Eliza and Sara, who began the company after spending a year wandering southern Africa in a camper van with their multi-racial family. They have been honored with eBay's Hall of Fame award, and by eBay Giving Works, through which they have raised more than $125,000 in charity auctions. Customer Service: We treasure our many long term customers, and will try to make you one of them! If you have problems, please tell us... we care! Handling Time: We ship daily except Sundays and holidays. Most orders go out the same day, and all go out within 48 hours. Returns: We want you to be happy with your purchase. You're welcome to return an item within 30 days in the same condition you received it--just let us know you're returning it. You may have either a credit or a refund for your purchase price, not including shipping both ways. If your original payment was made through PayPal, we'll refund you through PayPal; if you paid us directly with your credit card, we'll refund the credit card. Combining Shipping: You are welcome to wait to pay, and to combine multiple items for shipping. We ask that you keep each order to 10 days or 10 items, whichever comes first--then start another order. When you're ready, just send us a list of item numbers or an invoice request and we'll send you an invoice. You can pay by Paypal or credit card. U.S. Shipping: Our staff take great care in packing our artwork, much of which is antique, irregularly-shaped, and fragile. The cost of labor and the special packing materials uséd is reflected in our shipping price. Our U.S. shipping charges also include insurance; we self-insure on smaller orders. For these reasons, our shipping and handling charges may be more than the price of postage. . International Shipping: We ship dozens of international orders each week, to customers on every continent except Antarctica! The shipping charges included in our listings are for U.S. orders. Contact us for shipping charges to your country. We offer uninsured USPS First Class airmail, insured Priority airmail, and insured Express airmail to most parts of the world, depending on the weight, volume, and value of an item. We also ship via FedEx or DHL on request. Import duties, taxes, and charges are NOT INCLUDED in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding / buying. These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight (shipping) company or when you pick the item up -- do not confuse them for additional shipping charges. And please do not ask us to mark merchandise values below the actual value or mark items as "gifts"--U.S. and International government regulations prohibit such behavior. Newsletter, previews and special offers: Sign up for our newsletter |
