Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 15

Baule “Blolo Bian” Statue – Côte d’Ivoire, Early 20th Century

$5,340.51
£3,983.67
€4,500
CA$7,433.18
A$7,974.48
CHF 4,277.35
MX$96,011.63
NOK 53,920.96
SEK 49,168.44
DKK 34,293.42

About the Item

Baule “Blolo Bian” Statue – Côte d’Ivoire, Early 20th Century Height: 39 cm Material: Wood with dark, aged patina Provenance: Piasa, Paris, June 20, 2008 This elegant male figure, carved by the Baule people of Côte d’Ivoire, represents a “Blolo Bian” — a spirit husband — an essential part of the Baule spiritual cosmos. According to Baule belief, each individual has a spirit spouse in the otherworld (blolo), whose harmony with the earthly partner ensures balance and well-being. Carved figures such as this one were created to honor and appease this invisible partner. The statue displays the Baule's hallmark refinement and symmetry: A serene, contemplative expression with delicately closed eyes. Finely executed scarification patterns on the cheeks and abdomen. A stylized coiffure with incised ridges, indicative of high aesthetic and social value. Elongated proportions, carefully balanced hands resting on the stomach, and a sturdy posture atop an integrated base. The figure is sculpted from dense hardwood and has acquired a deep, lustrous patina, evidence of ritual handling and age. Its surface suggests anointing with palm oil, and small signs of wear further affirm its authenticity and use. Provenance Formerly part of a European private collection. Sold at Piasa Auction, Paris, on June 20, 2008 (Tribal Art Sale). Accompanied by wooden display base. total heigth 45 cm A refined and spiritually resonant work, this statue is a testament to the artistry of Baule carvers and the deeply personal nature of West African ritual sculpture. Ideal for discerning collectors of African tribal art or connoisseurs of anthropological significance.
  • Creator:
    Baule Tribe (Sculptor)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)Width: 3.23 in (8.2 cm)Depth: 3.55 in (9 cm)
  • Style:
    Tribal (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    early 20th century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. normal age traces.
  • Seller Location:
    Bilzen, BE
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10361245623072

More From This Seller

View All
Statue from the Baoule/Baule tribe, Ivory Coast, first half 20th century
By Baule Tribe
Located in Bilzen, BE
A statue from the Baoule/Baule tribe, Ivory Coast carved in hardwood in the early colonial style Early 1900 Tribal aged patina Heigth 36 cm
Category

Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Rare Baule Male Spirit Figure (Blolo Bian) — Early 20th Century
By Baule Tribe
Located in Bilzen, BE
Rare Baule Male Spirit Figure (Blolo Bian) — Early 20th Century Origin: Baule people, Côte d’Ivoire Period: Early 20th century (circa 1900–1930) Material: Hardwood with dark ritual p...
Category

Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Important Statue Of The Yaka Tribe, Dr Congo, early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
Important statue of the Yaka tribe, DR Congo from the beginning of the 20th century with a strong expression Fair tribal patina Height 35.5 cm Provenance: Rob Vervoort (Belgium)
Category

Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Genuine carved wooden statue from the Lobi tribe, Ghana Burkina Faso, early 1900
By Lobi People
Located in Bilzen, BE
Finely carved large geometric figure from the Lobi tribe, Ghana and Burkina Faso, dating from the early 20th century. I Carved from hard wood with fine small adze marks creating a v...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Ghanaian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Genuine carved wooden statuefrom the Teke tribe, DR Congo, early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
A genuine carved wooden statue from the Teke (Bateke) tribe DR Congo Early 1900 Rich tribal used aged patina mounted on a wooden base Total heigth 18.5 cm, heigth figure 16.3 cm, ba...
Category

Early 20th Century Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Guine Statue Of The Kusu Tribe, DR Congo, First Half Of The 20th Century
Located in Bilzen, BE
Genuine carved wooden statue of the Kusu tribe DR Congo, first half of the 20th century with a tribal aged patina of use Height without nail on the head 20 cm
Category

Vintage 1930s Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

You May Also Like

Baoulé Statue, wood, Circa 1950, Côte d Ivoire, Afrique.
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
Baoulé Statue, wood, Circa 1950, Côte d'Ivoire, Afrique. Height: 31 cm. Very beautiful Baoulé statue from Ivory Coast, covered with a natural, earthy patina in places. It contains re...
Category

Vintage 1950s Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Baoulé Statue, carved wood, circa 1920-1930, Ivory Coast, Africa.
Located in Nice, Cote d Azur
Standing figure of a man, Baoulé statue, wood, circa 1950, Ivory Coast, Africa. Height 34 cm. Provenance: JB Bedaux, The Netherlands; privaye collection, The Netherlands. Belgiu...
Category

Vintage 1920s Ivorian Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood

Carved Wooden Mpwuu Statue, Yanzi People, Democratic Republic of Congo
Located in CA, CA
This wooden male statue, of the Yanzi people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is carved in wood with traces of ‘Tukula’ pigment, characteristically elongated and stylised feature...
Category

Early 20th Century African Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Hardwood

African Cameroon 20th Century Hand Carved Mabila Ancestor Figure
Located in Queens, NY
Cameroonian 20th century hand carved wooden figure by the Mabila people, depicting an ancestral figure with bent knees and hand gesturing below their chin
Category

20th Century African Tribal Figurative Sculptures

20th Century African Songye Nkishi Kifwebe Figure, Democratic Republic of Congo
Located in London, GB
For sale is this wonderful vintage African hand-carved Kifwebe association Figure (or "N'kishi"), originating from the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly the...
Category

Late 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Metal

Old Antique Lobi Wooden Female Figure Sculpture Produced in Burkina Faso, Africa
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare mid century Lobi folk tribal art female figure wooden sculpture produced in Burkina Faso, Africa by anonymous designer in the 1940s. In good original condition. Dimensions: H:...
Category

Vintage 1940s Burkinabe Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Wood