Lot 285, Auction 3/19/2026: African Baule Wood Spirit Spouse, Seated Female Figure

$455.00

In stock

Western Africa, Ivory Coast, Baule peoples, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A carved wooden female figure known as a Blolo Bla, a spirit wife associated with the Baule belief in a spouse from the spirit world who may appear in dreams and influence the fortunes of the living. Seated upright on a low stool, the nude figure is rendered with an elongated neck, composed facial features, and a high coiffure gathered into a braided crest at the back. Incised scarification marks across the face, neck, and torso add texture and emphasize the figure’s idealized beauty and social identity. The surface shows areas of smooth, darkened patina perhaps from rubbing offerings into the surface, contrasting with the lustrous handling wear along the body and limbs. Strands of small glass seed beads adorn the neck and one ankle. Size: 4.5″ W x 17.5″ H (11.4 cm x 44.4 cm)

Condition: Heavy patina layers and lustrous areas from touch. There is a drilled socket on the left side near arm, the function is unknown. Minor abrasions but intact and excellent.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico USA collection

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