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| 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 3/4" tall
wood, beads, pigment
$1500
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. 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.
It is my opinion that this object was indeed carved by a master 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. Between the two
Baule seated couples that I acquired, this one is a superior example in my opinion.
18 3/4" tall
wood, beads, pigment
$1500
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. 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.
It is my opinion that this object was indeed carved by a master 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. Between the two
Baule seated couples that I acquired, this one is a superior example in my opinion.
