| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
| For additional detail, click on any photo below to see the higher resolution version of the image. |
Baule married couple called yassoua ni bla (yassoua = male: ni bla = with woman, Ivory Coast
18" tall
wood, beads, pigment
$1000
Most Baule sculptures depicting a single man (blolo bian) or a single woman (blolo bla) were linked to the spirit
world and represented what was called a spirit spouse, as every Baule individual is thought to have a partner of
the opposite sex in the spirit world. These sculptures would have been placed on individual shrines and allowed
the spirit to take a human form which may be communicated with and made offerings to.
Less common in Baule art are carved figures of a seated man and woman, such as this, that represented a married
couple and were most likely not linked to the spirit world.
This masterfully and elegantly carved couple is made from one piece of wood and has great attention to detail with
finely carved faces and coiffeurs. The figures with their arms around each other have solemn and dignified
expressions with the female being slightly taller than the male, which is often a feature in coupled figures. One
thing that isn't distinctly visible in the photographs, but is apparent when viewing the couple in person, is the slight
downward tilt of the female figure while the male figure is looking straight ahead.
Both outside arms on each figure have been previously broken and repaired.
It is my opinion that this object was indeed carved by a highly skilled Baule sculptor and most likely dates after
1960. Although it shows some signs of age, it shows little actual use and was most likely carved specifically for the
collecting market. It is a very beautiful and uncommon example of Baule art that stands on its own artistic merit.
18" tall
wood, beads, pigment
$1000
Most Baule sculptures depicting a single man (blolo bian) or a single woman (blolo bla) were linked to the spirit
world and represented what was called a spirit spouse, as every Baule individual is thought to have a partner of
the opposite sex in the spirit world. These sculptures would have been placed on individual shrines and allowed
the spirit to take a human form which may be communicated with and made offerings to.
Less common in Baule art are carved figures of a seated man and woman, such as this, that represented a married
couple and were most likely not linked to the spirit world.
This masterfully and elegantly carved couple is made from one piece of wood and has great attention to detail with
finely carved faces and coiffeurs. The figures with their arms around each other have solemn and dignified
expressions with the female being slightly taller than the male, which is often a feature in coupled figures. One
thing that isn't distinctly visible in the photographs, but is apparent when viewing the couple in person, is the slight
downward tilt of the female figure while the male figure is looking straight ahead.
Both outside arms on each figure have been previously broken and repaired.
It is my opinion that this object was indeed carved by a highly skilled Baule sculptor and most likely dates after
1960. Although it shows some signs of age, it shows little actual use and was most likely carved specifically for the
collecting market. It is a very beautiful and uncommon example of Baule art that stands on its own artistic merit.
