Blolo or Spirit Spouse (detail)

Marriage among the

Baule (bow-lay) people in the Ivory Coast, West Africa is a sacred commitment. Yet, surprisingly, the Baule don’t always marry people. Sometimes, they wed a spirit from the “otherworld”, a vast unseen world where they believe all things originate and return. This unusual marriage happens when a diviner, acting like a matchmaker, determines that marrying such a spirit can cure a specific problem facing the real life, physical mate. This isn’t a marriage for convenience, love or money. It’s more a matter of necessity, desire and hope.

Carved and painted Blolo, Baule People

Featured is a “

spirit spouse,” an effigy representing a spirit mate. It was given to its physical mate at their wedding. We do not know who owned it or the problem it solved; but we do know the problem was solved because only then is this type of statue set free. Blolo, or spirit spouses who have fulfilled their duty are released of their obligation with the gratitude of their partner. They are potent reminders that sometimes, longing alone for the solution to a problem may not be enough.

Blolo, or spirit spouses who have fulfilled their duty are released of their obligation with the gratitude of their partner. They are potent reminders that sometimes, longing alone for the solution to a problem may not be enough.

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