Baule, Ivory Coast: A finely manufactured female figure of a ‘spirit spouse’, called ‘blolo bla’.
Baule, Ivory Coast: A finely manufactured female figure of a ‘spirit spouse’, called ‘blolo bla’.
The Baule people of Ivory Coast believe that every married man and every married woman have a partner in the ‘other world’ (that is in the afterlife or in the ‘bush’, the world of spirits). These are called ‘blolo bian’ (male) and ‘blolo bla’ (female), respectively. With these ‘spirit spouses’ in the shape of such figures it is possible to communicate, ask them for advice, discuss problems, etc.
The present standing figure of a ‘blolo bla’ is made of brown, hard wood and was originally of a dark brown colour. It features a very finely carved hairstyle, typical tribal scarification marks on the base of the nose, on the neck, chest, abdomen and back, as well as ornamental strips on both legs. A perfectly shaped Baule figure, with very good, old patina (see also the round base plate!) and minor, age-related damage (colour scuffed, old tears). First half of the 20th century; H: 40 cm. (ME)
Provenance: German private collection.
Lit.: ‘Baule. African Art - Western Eyes’ by Susan M. Vogel, ill. p. 250, 251, 263.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 1,500.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 2,400.- to EUR 3,000.-
Baule, Ivory Coast: A finely manufactured female figure of a ‘spirit spouse’, called ‘blolo bla’.
The Baule people of Ivory Coast believe that every married man and every married woman have a partner in the ‘other world’ (that is in the afterlife or in the ‘bush’, the world of spirits). These are called ‘blolo bian’ (male) and ‘blolo bla’ (female), respectively. With these ‘spirit spouses’ in the shape of such figures it is possible to communicate, ask them for advice, discuss problems, etc.
The present standing figure of a ‘blolo bla’ is made of brown, hard wood and was originally of a dark brown colour. It features a very finely carved hairstyle, typical tribal scarification marks on the base of the nose, on the neck, chest, abdomen and back, as well as ornamental strips on both legs. A perfectly shaped Baule figure, with very good, old patina (see also the round base plate!) and minor, age-related damage (colour scuffed, old tears). First half of the 20th century; H: 40 cm. (ME)
Provenance: German private collection.
Lit.: ‘Baule. African Art - Western Eyes’ by Susan M. Vogel, ill. p. 250, 251, 263.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
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