A female Baule sculpture from the Beomi region

A female Baule sculpture, Ivory Coast, collected in the Beomi region.

These sculptures encapsulate the Baule worldview, blending art with function and spirituality. They are integral to the identity of the Baule people, demonstrating their craftsmanship and connection to both visible and invisible realms. Baule sculptures often depict an idealized version of human beauty and character and when used by a Baule diviner, for rituals to communicate with spirits and ancestors during consultations.

“To articulate historians, the most consistent features of Baule art is a kind of peaceful containment. Faces tend to have downcast eyes and figures most often hold their ams against the body. Among their abundant art forms, the Baule people continue to place the greatest value on masks and figure sculptures, which remain the only sculptural art still widely used in Baule villages. While there is a difference between the Baule view of their objects and that of Western connoisseurs, there are points of agreement. Aesthetic appreciation is one: Baule artist, and individual owners of objects, certainly sometimes enjoy the beauty of these objects and the skill it took coproduce them.
Ornaments above the face are chosen for their beauty and have no iconographic significance” p.141

Lit: Baule: African Art, Western Eyes. Susan M.Vogel 1997

“Baule sculptures from Côte d'Ivoire are renowned for their refined artistry and profound cultural significance. These works often depict human figures or masks and serve various roles within Baule society, from spiritual intermediaries to embodiments of beauty and moral virtues.
A notable example is the Portrait Mask (Mblo) of Moya Yanso, which exemplifies the Baule carving tradition. Such masks are utilized in performances that honor individuals, celebrate beauty, and convey moral values. They are characterized by their serene expressions, intricate detailing, and harmonious proportions, reflecting the Baule aesthetic ideals.”
Source: Khan Academy
“Additionally, Baule figure sculptures, often referred to as spirit spouses (blolo bla for female figures and blolo bian for male figures), are kept in private spaces and are seldom shown to others. These figures represent idealized partners from the spirit world and are believed to influence one's earthly relationships and well-being.”
Source: JSTOR

Height: 43 cm
Weight: 700 g