Mother of Prosperity

History & Significance

“Mother of Prosperity” is a Baoulé shrine statue (blolo bla) carved to invoke fertility, health, and household harmony. In traditional Baoulé belief, such figures represent spirit-spouses who protect the family’s well-being.

Carefully sculpted from a single piece of seasoned hardwood, the figure’s scarification patterns mirror the symbolic markings of clan identity and social status. The serene countenance and full form embody abundance and maternal guardianship.

Historically, households kept blolo bla figures in private shrines; owners slept beside them and offered libations, nurturing a reciprocal bond that ensured blessings and balance. This statue retains subtle traces of ochre pigment, hinting at its ritual past.

Rooted in Ubuntu—“I am because we are”—this piece reminds us that collective prosperity arises from care, respect, and the shared spirits that connect us across generations.