In the Baule cosmos there is another world, a spirit world, that is identical to the earthly world.  Every person in the earthly world has a spouse in the spirit world that must be reckoned with.  They are separated from this spouse at birth, and from the time someone reaches puberty until death, this spirit spouse can cause distress in the life of the earthly spouse if the spirit becomes displeased (they are quite jealous) with the behavior of their spouse on earth.  When this first occurs, the Baule commission an artist to make a statue representing the spirit spouse.  The spirit is honored through the statue by placing it in a sacred space and devoting one night a week to spend with it alone rather than one's earthly spouse. This is done not to worship the statue, but to pay tribute to the 'other world,' and the influence on it has on this earthly life, just as we in western society pay tribute to our deceased ancestors and spouses by visiting their graves and decorating them with fresh flowers and ornate stones.

To be effective the statue must be meticulously carved to represent the beauty of the spirit spouse.  Notice the beautiful shine and intricate details in the carving. It is decorated with ornate beads to show off its beauty. If the statue is not striking to the spirit, it will not be effective and must be thrown out and a more talented artist commissioned to make a more beautiful statue befitting of the spirit it represents.

Image: courtesy of NationalMuseum       Creator: Baule                      Place: Cote d'Ivoire         Material: wood, glass beads, fiber, white pigment

The nkisi power figure is used by peoples of the Kongo and has many different functions. It is used as a prescription to heal the sick, guaranteeing contracts between individuals, protection from misfortune, and getting revenge for ill deeds done to one. It contains potent spiritual powers that enable the diviner to use it to maintain harmony in the community.

Healing substances from plants, animals and minerals are placed in the stomach cavity or around the neck to help empower the nkisi while the diviner uses it in a ritual ceremony that gives it a sacred spiritual dimension. A mirror often covers the healing substances in the stomach symbolizing the diviner's mystic ability to reflect and see the world beyond this one.

Nails are often used to solidify contracts between people. If one breaks the contract, they will be subject to the pain of the nkisi's nails. The only way around this is to make amends with the nkisi's owner and paying compensation for the harm done. (Groveart) One arm is often raised demonstrating the ability to strike whenever provoked.

Image: courtesy of NationalMuseum       Creator: Songye                      Place:  Democratic Republic of the Congo Material: Wood, accumulative materials