**Originally Listed At $200**

Western Africa, Burkina Faso, Lobi peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. An intriguing standing anthropomorphic bateba (literally "carved wooden figure"), hand-carved from a single piece of hard wood and colored with a dark-brown pigment. The figure stands upon delineated legs which trace upwards to a perky breasts and a distended abdomen indicative of pregnancy. Her raised arms extend from sloping shoulders, and a thick neck supports her teardrop-shaped head. Incised ovoid eyes flank a petite triangular nose above a pair of full lips, and heavy brows rest underneath a bald pate. This figure is known as a "bateba ti puo," or "dangerous bateba," not because it is meant to harm, but rather protect. Figures like this - also referred to as "bateba duntundara" - are typically placed in or near building entrances to safeguard those inside from malevolent forces such as disease, evil spirits, or witchcraft. Custom wooden display stand included. Size: 6.8" W x 9" H (17.3 cm x 22.9 cm); 10.1" H (25.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: Estate of R. Pearson, Denver, Colorado, USA; Mr. Pearson collected from the third quarter of the 20th century until he passed away.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#143109

Losses to parts of some fingers, minor abrasions and nicks to legs, body, arms, and head, with softening to some finer details, and wear to some high-point areas. Light earthen deposits and fabulous patina throughout.