Baule Blolo Bla Female Figure Hand Carved Wood African Statue Ivory Coast 17"

This is an exceptional and highly collectible vintage hand-carved solid wood female statue originating from the Baule people of the Ivory Coast, West Africa. This exquisite sculpture depicts a "Blolo Bla" (or "Spirit Spouse" / "Otherworld Wife"), a central and revered figure in traditional Baule cosmological beliefs.

The piece perfectly embodies the definitive aesthetic canons of fine Baule artistry: the serene facial features, a meticulously textured and incised coiffure (hair arranged in fine plaits), and hands placed gently resting upon the abdomen. Notably, both earlobes are meticulously carved with traditional pierced holes—a cultural representation of body modification and feminine beauty in Baule society, adding incredible depth and attention to ethnographical detail. Furthermore, it showcases the classical stylized anatomy with prominent calves and rounded buttocks, which are cultural markers of vitality.

Sculpted from a single heavy block of natural hardwood weighing 2.2 lbs, the statue displays a gorgeous original aged patina. The underside features authentic organic erosions and age-related cavities, adding a superb primitive aura that serious collectors cherish. A premier addition for curators of ethnographic art, African tribal antiquities, and high-end mid-century global decor.