Markets which are primarily run by women take place every four days and are the center of the local economy. Local produce and craft items are sold alongside imported goods from all over the world. The Baule have a highly centralized government with a king or chief at the top who inherits his position along matrilineal lines. There are various subchiefs in charge of his local populations, and all the chiefs rely on political advisors who help in the decision making process. The Goli association is the primary mask association, which provides social order among the Baule.
Religion includes both ancestor worship and a heirarchy of nature gods.
Nature spirits and spirit spouses are often represented in sculpture. Their creator god is Alouroua, who is never physically represented.