Baule
Figure of a Female Nature Spirit (Asie Usu) or Spirit Spouse (Blolo Bla)
Baule, Late 19th-early 20th century
Scroll
Baule
Figure of a Female Nature Spirit (Asie Usu) or Spirit Spouse (Blolo Bla)
Baule, Late 19th-early 20th century
Physical Qualities
Wood, beads, plant fibers, string, 14 9/16 x 2 15/16 x 3 3/8 in. (37 x 7.4 x 8.5 cm.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Gertrude Rosenthal, Baltimore
Object Number
1989.158
Hideous nature spirits (Asie Usu) are thought to cause misfortune, but they may be placated if a beautiful figure is carved in the spirit's honor. The elaborate coiffure and scarification patterns aid in socializing Asie Usu. If it is pleased with its visual form, the malevolent spirit will instead work in a person's favor. Now the spirit possesses the pesron, bestowing clairvoyance, and the person may become a diviner (photo).
Frederick John Lamp, "See the Music Hear the Dance: Rethinking African Art at the Baltimore Museum of Art." New York: Prestel, 2003, p.139, ill.
