Mother and child figure

The Baule believe that before their birth individuals had family in the other world, and that a jealous spiritual spouse may bring harm to an individual if not properly considered and worshipped. Figures such as this one, are produced as bolo bla, or spirit wife. Spirit spouses are kept in private shrines and are believed to help their human partners in various aspects of their lives. Because of their visual appeal, such figures are now also made for sale on the international and tourist market where they are often purchased by western dealers and collectors.