|
HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Baule Sculptures : Baule Wooden Sculpture of a Man
|
 |
|
|
|
Baule Wooden Sculpture of a Man - PF.5739
Origin: Ivory Coast
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
30" (76.2cm) high
x 6.25" (15.9cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood
$9,000.00
Location: United States
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
This sculpture probably represents a spouse
from the spirit world, called a Blolo Blian (Blolo
Bla if feminine). Baule people believed that every
person has such a spouse. It manifests itself
through a series of dreams, usually sexual in
nature, and is believed to be responsible for
practical and spiritual problems that arise in the
life of that individual. Once carved under the
direction of a village diviner, the statue is kept in
the person’s room and is offered food. Moreover,
it is rubbed against the owner’s skin, often
giving it a shiny patina. Also possible, this statue
might represent an Asie Usu figure. The Asie Usu
spirits lived in the countryside. They are
mischievous; but, if properly honored, will grant
fruitful harvest and hunts. They sometimes
express desire, through the village diviner, to be
associated with a specific person. A statue is
then sculpted and worshipped in the house of
the designated individual, and it is often given a
libation of chicken blood and egg, often giving it
an encrusted patina. He rests both his hands on
his belly next to his protruding navel. He stands
with his legs spread apart and knees slightly
bent. Raised decorative scarification is prevalent,
especially along the front back of his torso, on
the sides of his neck, and on his temples and
jaw. His facial features, including his arching
brows that merge into a T-shaped nose, semi-
circular eyes, and pointed chin, are also
characteristic of the Baule style. The figure wears
an elaborate coiffure that has been woven into a
braided ponytail echoing his beard, wound into
three strands. This represents an idealized form
of Baule spiritual masculinity. The attention to
details, most evident in the hair and raised scars,
is masterful. Clearly this sculpture is the work of
an expert.
- (PF.5739)
|
| |
|
