Asie usu figures contain the Baule bush spirits and are used by diviners during ceremonies to create a link between the spiritual and physical worlds. These seated figures are characterized by elaborate hairstyles, raised scarification marks on the face and neck, an elongated torso and a dark, encrusted patina—evidence that it was used in ceremonies and had offerings poured on it such as palm wine and chicken blood. During ceremonies, diviners are possessed by the spirits residing in the asie usu and receive guidance to help people navigate the problems of the physical realm. Some examples are decorated with strings of beads and kaolin and can also be female. The other main carved figures of the Baule peoples are blolo, which represent "spirit spouses"; these are nearly identical in form to asie usu except that they are not used in ceremonies and do not show any sacrificial residue.
