Statue "blolo Bla", Baoulé People, Ivory Coast

Statue representing a standing female figure. The legs are slightly bent. The arms are at the sides of the body and the hands are placed on the abdomen on either side of a protruding navel. The mouth forms an inverted figure 8. The eyebrows meet and form a continuity with the nasal bridge. The headdress is extremely well crafted and elaborate. Scarifications adorn the torso, back and face of this figure. Pearl necklaces around the neck and belt complete the elegance of the statue.
This female figure represents a bride from the afterlife or "Blolo Bla". She displays traditional ideals of beauty.
Light wood with a honey patina of use, eroded base (some missing parts, notably a finger and a toe), cracks, glass beads and bronze pendant.
Height: 47.5 cm
Baoulé people, Ivory Coast.
First part of the 20th century.
Provenance: Ex private collection, Washington DC, USA