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Male Figure (Blolo Bian)

A work made of wood, metal, and sacrificial materials.

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  • A work made of wood, metal, and sacrificial materials.

Date:

Early/mid–20th century

Artist:

Baule
Côte d’Ivoire
Coastal West Africa

About this artwork

A Baule person who experiences physical or emotional distress often seeks the advice of a diviner who might determine that a jealous partner in the otherworld is the cause of the problem. To address the situation, a male or female figure of the type shown here will be commissioned to serve as the focal point for offerings to the spirit partner. The anatomy and decorations of this male example epitomize the Baule ideal of human beauty.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Baule

Title

Male Figure (Blolo Bian)

Place

Côte d'Ivoire (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1900–1950

Medium

Wood, metal, and sacrificial materials

Dimensions

57.8 × 11.4 × 10.2 cm (22 3/4 × 4 × 4 1/2 in.)

Credit Line

Edward E. Ayer Endowment in memory of Charles L. Hutchinson

Reference Number

1960.802

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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