Baule (Baoule, Bawule), Côte d'Ivoire

Blolo Bla female figure. Around 1 million Baule occupy a part of the eastern Cote d’Ivoire that is both forest and savanna land. They came to this territory in the 18th century, an area previously the home of Guro. During the eighteenth century, the queen, Abla Poku, had to lead her people west to the shores of the Comoe, the land of the Senufo. In order to cross the river, she sacrificed her own son. This sacrifice was the origin of the name Baule, for baouli means “the child has died.” The Blolo Bla figure represents a spouse from the spirit world. Baule people believe that every person has such a spouse. It manifests itself through a series of dreams, usually of a sexual nature, and is believed to be responsible for practical and spiritual problems that arise in the life of that individual. The figure is kept in the person’s room.

Material:  wood

Size: H. 26”, W. 7”, D. 7”

Price: $345 + $30 (S&H)                                 [#U7B9S989]