Baule Spirit Spouse Figure on Base Congo

Baule's figurative statuary is one of the best-known and most collected. Finely carved male and female figures ranging is size from small to large are generally portrayed in a standing position of formal calmness with arms close to the body and hands resting on the abdomen. Attention is focused on the head with emphasis given to detailed face and neck scarification and elaborate coiffures. Figures are often enhanced through the addition of gold leaf or jewelry. The well-carved figures are burnished to a dark glossy patina from much handling.

Baule figure sculptures fall into two categories, the first represents spirits of the wild (asie usu) that live in the bush beyond village boundaries and the second is male and female figures that represent spirit world spouses for their owners.

This particular piece may represent the spirit of the ancestor. As for other figures in this category, the piece was kept in personal shrines where offerings were made to it. This shrine sculpture honors the ancestors. The same piece may also have served at the divination kept in a shrine for Mbra and displayed during the trance or divination process to assist the priest.

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