Baule figure, this figure represents a male spirit lover, blolo bian. These are frustrated partners left behind in the world of the spirits when people are born into this world. Each man and woman is believed to have a spirit double or spouse that resides in the other world. If the spirit becomes angry, the human spouse commissions a carving to receive offerings. The Baule believe that beauty helps promote fertility and avoid marital problems so the blolo bian has an elaborate hairstyle with intricate textured designs. 49 cm height