巴乌雷族献祭雕像 - Baule - 象牙海岸 (沒有保留價)

Ex Gael Angelis (France)
Ex Xavier Simon (France)

Anthropomorphous figure of the Baoulé votive tradition, presumably descended from the blolo bla or blolo bian cult — a representation of the spouse from the other world (blolo), the spiritual partner that each individual possesses according to Baoulé cosmology, whose neglect can trigger misfortune, sterility, or illness. These figures, sculpted on the prescription of a diviner (komienfo), were subject to regular care: libations, anointing with palm oil, and offerings. The sacrificial crust present on this piece testifies to prolonged and authentic activation.

Formally
A statuette carved in a fine-grained wood, resting on an original rectangular base — a thick wood fragment forming part of the sculpture, heavily impregnated with ritual substances. The overall surface is covered with a brown-black sacrificial crust, stratified and irregular, mixing residues of palm oil, kaolin, animal blood and other organic materials, dotted with small gold flecks (plant or mineral residues included in the offerings).
The face is of high quality despite the crust: slightly bulging forehead, hair arranged in a bun or finely braided crest, almond-shaped eyes with carefully modeled eyelids, straight nose, slender mouth with pressed lips. The treatment of the face corresponds to the classic Baoulé aesthetic canons, combining interiority and contained serenity.
The arms are drawn toward the face in an attitude of reverence or offering, the hands clasped or raised to the chin — rare and expressive posture, laden with votive significance. The breasts are present, indicating a female figure (blolo bian in the sense of a female partner, or maternal figure). A small animal — dog or quadruped — is sculpted on the crown of the head or on the back of the figure, an iconographic element in some Baoulé traditions associated with mediation between worlds.
The original wooden base, heavily degraded by ritual use and old infestations (xylophagous insect bites stabilized), bears the marks of an intense and prolonged ceremonial life. Residual plant fibers are visible on the edges.

Noteworthy elements
Thick and stratified sacrificial crust of indisputable authenticity
Hand posture to the face, rare in Baoulé iconography
Animal sculpted in dorsal or cranial position, mediating element
Original ritual base preserved, not replaced
Double provenance label, old but legible and exploitable

Condition
The piece presents a state consistent with its age and intensive use. The wood remains stable despite desiccation cracks and traces of old and inactive xylophagous insects. The sacrificial crust adheres solidly. No structural fractures. The original base, though very degraded on the surface, still serves as a pedestal. The whole forms a coherent unit that it would be inadvisable to clean or treat, for fear of altering the integrity of the ritual patina.