Baule Spirit Mate

Spirit Mate, late 19th – 20th century
Baule people, Ivory Coast
Wood, bead, paint and kaolin; 10.5 in H
Gift of Dwight V. Strong
82.31.14 This Baule carved figure of a female was carved to embody a spirit mate. Each individual is thought to have a partner of the opposite sex in the spirit world. If an individual is experiencing problems or difficulties, marital or sexual for example, it likely indicates the unhappiness or feelings of neglect of the spirit mate. When personal troubles of this nature arise they may be relayed to a diviner who recommends the troubled individual to commission the carving. The carving allows the spirit to take a human form which may be communicated with and made offerings to. The spirit mate is given personal care by cleaning and rubbing with oil; food offerings are placed in tiny dishes before the figure. The figural carving is crafted with marks of Baule idealized beauty: long neck, large calves, serene expression and rounded breasts and belly. The beaded double necklaces and belts, hairstyle and scarification patterns are individual marks of this female spirit mate.
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