Sika Blawa

Rare Baule (Baoulé) prestige figures “Sika Blawa” from Côte d’Ivoire made of carved wood covered with gold foil. The figures represents otherworldly spirit mates which are carved after consultation with a diviner and lives with the owner, usually in the bedroom. One must strive to keep the spirit mate happy with routine offerings and sacrifices in order to help solve problems in this life. Every Baule had a spirit mate in the hereafter- a wife “blolo ba or husband “blolo bian”.

Sika blawa female figure, H 35.5 cm. From the estate of René David. Exhibited:Musée International du Golfe de Guinée, Lomé, Togo (2005-2011)

Sika blawa female figure, H 35.5 cm. From the estate of René David. Exhibited:Musée International du Golfe de Guinée, Lomé, Togo (2005-2011)

IMG_6143.jpg
IMG_6146.jpg
IMG_6145.jpg
IMG_6148.jpg
IMG_6149.jpg
IMG_6157.jpg
IMG_6158.jpg
IMG_6151.jpg
IMG_6159.jpg
Sika blawa female figure, H 27.62 cm. EX private Swiss collection, EX Collection Jean Paul Delcourt, Abidjan

Sika blawa female figure, H 27.62 cm. EX private Swiss collection, EX Collection Jean Paul Delcourt, Abidjan

IMG_1112.jpeg
IMG_1044.jpeg
IMG_1399 2.jpg
IMG_1060.jpg
IMG_1396 2.jpg
IMG_1397 3.jpg
IMG_1396 3.jpg
IMG_1397 2.jpg
The sika blawa female figure in Situ, Côte d'Ivoire. Ex Collection Jean Paul Delcourt. Photo credit: Giovanni Franco Scanzi

The sika blawa female figure in Situ, Côte d'Ivoire. Ex Collection Jean Paul Delcourt. Photo credit: Giovanni Franco Scanzi

Previous

Akan and Baule Figurative Sculpture
Next

Akan or Baule Cast Gold Family Portrait