Male figure

Male figure "Blolo bla". Baule ethnic group, Ivory Coast, 19th century-early 20th century.
Carved wood.
Measurements: 32,5 cm. height.

The Blolo Bla statuettes represent spirits or spiritual beings that are considered as the "companions" or invisible beings of the spiritual world. The Baulé believe that each person has a "Blolo Bla" or "spirit soul" that accompanies them, and these figurines represent those souls, especially those of ancestors or deceased loved ones. The "Blolo Bla" figures are known for their stylized and elongated shapes, with well-defined details on the face and body. The face is particularly important, with slanted and protruding eyes, straight noses and ornamental details on the head.

Baulé art is linked to the supernatural world and uses wood carvings and masks to establish contact with it. The Baulé style is characterized by synthetic realism, where we appreciate the canons of native beauty: rounded legs in women, elongated hands and the typical hairstyle with fine braids; in the case of men, triangular hairstyle as we observe in this figure of round bulk, in carved wood, also characterized by short legs and elongated torso. The Baulé are part of the Akan people and are located in Ivory Coast. It is a group traditionally dedicated to the agriculture of corn, cocoa and Kola nuts. The human figures carved in various types of wood represent ancestors and characters of importance to the life of the community. The artist emphasizes the role that these characters have for the society and charges the figures with great symbolism. Through these statues, the deceased relatives continue to be present in the daily life of the family they protect.