Baule, Ivory Coast: A standing female sculpture of a ‘spirit spouse’, called ‘Blolo Bla’.
Baule, Ivory Coast: A standing female sculpture of a ‘spirit spouse’, called ‘Blolo Bla’.
The Baule people believe that every married man and every married woman has their own spiritual partner in the ‘other world’ (in the afterlife, in the ‘bush’, or in the world of spirits). These are called ‘Blolo Bian’ (male) and ‘Blolo Bla’ (female). With these ‘spirit spouses’ in the shape of such figures it is possible to communicate, ask them for advice, discuss problems, etc. The present ‘Blolo Bla’ is carved from hard wood and was originally dyed dark brown. She stands firmly on a round plinth, displays a carefully arranged Baule hairstyle with four crests and scarification marks, typical of the tribe, on the forehead, around the mouth and on the back. The sculpture shows cracks due to age on its left side, as well as traces of scuffing on exposed areas and edges due to protracted use. H: 53 cm. First half to mid-20th century. (ME)
Provenance: Swiss Private Collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
02.11.2015 - 14:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 700.-
Baule, Ivory Coast: A standing female sculpture of a ‘spirit spouse’, called ‘Blolo Bla’.
The Baule people believe that every married man and every married woman has their own spiritual partner in the ‘other world’ (in the afterlife, in the ‘bush’, or in the world of spirits). These are called ‘Blolo Bian’ (male) and ‘Blolo Bla’ (female). With these ‘spirit spouses’ in the shape of such figures it is possible to communicate, ask them for advice, discuss problems, etc. The present ‘Blolo Bla’ is carved from hard wood and was originally dyed dark brown. She stands firmly on a round plinth, displays a carefully arranged Baule hairstyle with four crests and scarification marks, typical of the tribe, on the forehead, around the mouth and on the back. The sculpture shows cracks due to age on its left side, as well as traces of scuffing on exposed areas and edges due to protracted use. H: 53 cm. First half to mid-20th century. (ME)
Provenance: Swiss Private Collection.
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: | 02.11.2015 - 14:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 28.10. - 02.11.2015 |