Superb Statue - Baule - Côte d'Ivoire

A superb Baoulé statue,
Baoulé statues often represent spirits or nature deities, to whom homage is paid in order to appease them.
Among them, asiè usu statues (nature spirits) are rarer than the so-called blolo bla figures.
One distinguishing feature sets them apart: the nature spirit is generally depicted seated, while the spouse from the beyond is depicted standing.
There are also two broad types of Baoulé statues: those that evoke the nature spirits, recognizable by their sacrificial patina, and those related to romantic relationships, characterized by a smooth, polished patina.
The first type refers to the bush spirits, endowed with ambivalent power.
As is often the case in many African cultures, these spirits are feared for their potential malice.
The statues that depict them are therefore the subject of rituals intended to appease these forces, in order to obtain their benevolence and protection.