Male Figure (Blolo Bian)

A Baule person who experiences physical or emotional distress often seeks the advice of a diviner who might determine that a jealous partner in the otherworld is the cause of the problem. To address the situation, a male or female figure of the type shown here will be commissioned to serve as the focal point for offerings to the spirit partner. The anatomy and decorations of this male example epitomize the Baule ideal of human beauty.