'Spirit husband' (blolo bian), as used by Baule people

The Baule believe that they have all had a previous life, with a spouse in that life who influences their life in this world and demands care and attention. A figure, carved to represent this 'spirit spouse', is kept in a person's bedroom and revered.

A single piece of wood has been carved into the form of a seated naked male figure, with an elaborate hairstyle, his hands grasping his forked beard. The figure wears a bead belt and anklets and sits on a stool in the form of a leopard.

A belief in the power of spirit beings to influence the lives of the living is very widespread in Africa. Spirit spouses are believed to have this power, and the living interact with them. One night a week is dedicated to revering the spirit spouse.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-000-787-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  A.1938.257
• Date: Early 20th century
  
• Material: Figure / carving
  
• Dimensions: 18.75" H
  
• What: Figure / carving
  
• Subject: Carvings and masks
  
• Who:
• Where: Ivory Coast
  
• Event:
• Description: Carved, dark wooden figure of a man seated naked on a stool, the lower part of stool in the form of a leopard: West Africa, Ivory Coast, Baoule Tribe
  
• References:
  • Sheridan, J A (ed). Heaven and Hell and Other Worlds of the Dead. Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland, 2000. 
  • Vogel, S M . Baule: African Art, Western Eyes. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1984. 
• Translations:
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