The Baule live across the Ivory Coast area, and
have an economy
based primarily on sedentary agriculturism. They
have thus been
able to build up a considerable political and
economic stronghold,
which has in turn given rise to a strong ritual and
artistic heritage.
Their own creation story relates to an ancient
migration, in which
the queen was forced to sacrifice her son in order
to ford a mighty
river. So upset was she that all she could say was
“baouli” (“the child
is dead”), thus giving rise to the tribe’s name.
Blolo bian (male) and Blolo bla (female) spirit
spouses are perhaps
the Baule’s greatest artistic and psycho- social
achievement. These
figures are otherworldly partners for young men
and women, and
are designed as perfect women/men who provide
spiritual assistance
to their earthly spouses. The Baule are also
known for sculptures
representing bush spirits (Asie usu) –
mischievous and potentially
malevolent inhabitants of the “bush”, or dark
country beyond the
boundary of the village – monkeys, and three
types of masks that
are used in the celebration of good harvests,
mourning, and the
visits of important dignitaries.
The lion is a symbol of strength and ferocity. The
largest of the cat
family, this animal is known as the “king of the
beasts.” They are
equally feared and respected for their power,
speed, and intimidating
growl. Kings and rulers have associated
themselves with this noble
creature since the earliest days of history.
Perhaps this sculpture is
too a royal symbol. A disproportion emphasis has
been placed on its
head, and more specifically on the bushy mane,
sharp fangs and
pointed ears. The piece has been painted in a
bright blue color, a
pigment likely brought into the region through
Colonial trade.
