This figure is an excellent example of a Baule wood-carved standing female figure from Côte d’Ivoire. She stands upright with both arms at the sides, hands resting on the outer thighs, and exhibits a poised, balanced posture. The head features a characteristic Baule coiffure: neatly striated, domed, and separated in sections, indicative of traditional Baule hairdressing. Pronounced rings are carved around the neck, symbolizing beauty and well-being. The torso displays stylized scarification marks on the chest, abdomen, back, and arms, carefully rendered to indicate personal adornment and social status. The breasts are full and rounded, and the abdomen shows a slight prominence, signaling femininity, fertility, and health.
Bead necklaces and belts are attached to the figure, reinforcing its role within ritual or protective contexts and suggesting regular adornment, consistent with spiritual care. The legs are strong, slightly apart, with feet firmly grounded—classic Baule sculptural traits.
The wood shows a deep, old patina with areas of wear, especially on the feet and lower legs, characteristic of handling and ritual use over time.
Such figures (blolo bla) were traditionally kept by Baule individuals to represent a spirit spouse from the otherworld; the figure would be regularly cared for, adorned, and anointed as part of spiritual practice to maintain harmony and personal success.
This figure’s craftsmanship, iconography, and evidence of wear strongly indicate it is a ritual Baule standing female figure, used for personal spiritual or protective purposes within Baule culture
Size 15 inches (38.1 cm) H. + double plexi base.
Provenance: From the Estate of Ronald Blatt, owner of Blatt Billiards, Greenwich Village, New York City.
