Baule Figure

According to Susan Vogel (see: A History of Art in Africa / Africa - The Art of a Continent) 'these figures represent an ideal of man or womanhood, embodying not only physical perfection, but social, moral and intellectual achievement. The Baule are one of a number of African groups who believe that before birth, human beings all had Blolo bla (spirit wife) and Blolo bian (spirit husband) spouses in the other world who can influence their lives. Baule artists and their nearby neighbors seem to be the only artists in Africa who traditionally carved figural representations of spirit spouses'
The more elaborate the ornamental and decorative features of an individual work, the more time has been invested in its execution by the sculptor, and the greater the expense to its owner. The culmination of such efforts hopefully results in the creation of a sculpture that is most attractive to the asye usu (spirits). When used by Baule diviners, such works not only flatter the spirits but also add to the theatrical spectacle of a public pronouncement of a divinatory revelation. Their aesthetic quality dazzles potential clients with the caliber and sophistication of the instruments associated with a diviner.
The beauty of a figure advertises its owner's success as an intermediary with the spirit world.