Male Figure

The Baule people believe that all individuals have spirit mates in the ‘other world'. Under normal circumstances, these spirit spouses reside in their own place and aid the individual. However, due to certain circumstances, the spirit mate may become upset or angered and cause a crisis or a problem related to sexual dysfunction in marriage.

These spirits and their grievances would be revealed through divination, and following that a carver would be commissioned to create images of standing males or females, with reserved demeanor and of elegant form, that represent the spirit mate of a given individual.

The carving of a figure of this kind is commissioned as a stand-in for the 'other world' mate, and offerings are placed at its feet in hope that the spirit will be placated and the problem will be solved.

Of particular importance with regards to this object is the fact that it has been completely covered with gold leaf. The gold is a symbol of high rank and status often associated with chieftainship among the Baule. It is therefore quite probable that this figure was commissioned by a chief or high ranking nobleman to represent their particular spirit mate.

Occasionally, images that are near to spirit mates are kept as tutelary images by diviners. In some cases, such figures develop a dirty and encrusted surface. However, were such a figure or pair of figures to be made for a chief, the pieces would likely be covered in gold leaf and kept clean.

It is therefore not possible to determine the exact use of the figure, however, what is certain is that this was a valued and treasured object created for a high ranking individual in traditional Baule society.