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HOME :
African & Tribal Art :
Baule Sculptures : Baule Wooden Blolo Bian Sculpture
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Baule Wooden Blolo Bian Sculpture - PF.3627
Origin: Central Ivory Coast
Circa: 20
th
Century AD
Dimensions:
17.25" (43.8cm) high
x 3.5" (8.9cm) wide
Collection: African
Medium: Wood
Additional Information: Closet AF10
$3,600.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This standing male figure was probably carved to
represent "the other world man" (Blolo Blian) of a
Baule woman. Such figures are carved at the
recommendation of a diviner for both men and
women to resolve crises associated with
marriage, sexuality or social well being (Vogel,
1977). The figure becomes a stand-in for the
other world (Blolo) mate who has a one-to one
relationship with the person who lives "here on
this earth" (Asie'n Suwa). Offerings presented to
the sculpture formally symbolize recognition and
acknowledgment (Vogel 1980; Ravenhill 1984).
The Baule consider the other world to be
equivalent to the visible world, and it's
inhabitants to have the same form as their real
world partners. Hence Blolo figures are carved as
idealizations of human beauty. Great emphasis is
placed on the beauty of a well-delineated face,
elaborate and carefully rendered coiffure, and
beauty scarification (Vogel, 1988). Otherworldly
figures frequently bear symbols of power, both
social and magical: the long twisted beard is a
symbol of veneration. In use, the figure would
have been properly dressed: he would have worn
a miniature cloth “cache-sexe” suspended from
a beaded or corded waistband and passed
through the cavity below the genital area. In the
privacy of the owner's bedroom, the figure would
have been a constant reminder of the ongoing
presence of the "other man" in the "other world"
whom she could not neglect.
- (PF.3627)
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