This is the rating and price for 19Th C. African Baule Wooden Blolo Bla Figure, 2004

Description : West Africa, Cote d'Ivoire, Baule peoples, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine standing wooden female Blolo Bla figure, hand-carved from hardwood, created by a Baule artisan of West Africa. The figure boasts a classic form, standing nude on muscular delineated legs atop an integral circular plinth, her arms bent to a slight distended abdomen with a protruding navel and protective hands guarding her womb. Pendulous breasts and angular shoulders form a gentle maternal stature, and her scarified neck supports a finely-modeled head. Her face exhibits a serene visage comprised of downturned eyes, a prominent nose, closed lips, and several areas of scarification marks, all beneath an elaborate plaited coiffure with a pair of braids. Her back displays a rectangular panel of patterned scars enclosed with a grooved border. Covered in gorgeous layers of smooth brown patina, this is a skillfully carved example from the Ivory Coast. Custom wooden display stand included. Size: 2.3 W x 12.75 H (5.8 cm x 32.4 cm), 13.875 H (35.2 cm) on included custom stand. Figures of this form are known as Blolo Bla - an ancestral spirit wife sculpture that would be placed in the home, looked after and attentively cared for, as such special figures are believed to act as a medium to the spirit world. Examples like this are also referred to as Dream Lovers, because they are believed to visit the living in their dreams and may serve as an Oracle who can predict the future or act as a dream lover. A similar example hammered for $24,000 at Sotheby's, New York African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian Art Auction (May 14, 2004, lot 49): Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #135418
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