Early 20th C. African Lobi Wood Female Bateba Figure
Similar Sale History
View More Items in Tribal & Native American ArtifactsRelated Tribal & Native American Artifacts
More Items in African Tribal & Native American Artifacts
View MoreRecommended Art
View MoreItem Details
Description
Africa, Burkina Faso, Lobi peoples, ca. early 20th century. A standing female Bateba figure, carved from wood with a gray-brown, encrusted, sacrificial patina. A particularly unusual example, with delineated legs, a distended abdomen, outie navel, pendulous breasts, and slender arms held above the waist. Resting upon the stocky neck is an elongated head which boasts deep-set eyes, a pointy protruding nose, closed lips, cup-shaped ears, and a sharp jawline with a pointy chin. Given this figure's protective role, it was most likely placed on or around an altar as part of a group of various 'bateba' figures (bateba phuwe). The precise meaning of each figure's shape and posture is difficult to ascertain, since these carvings were created as the result of a seer's vision for an afflicted individual. An impressive example replete with wonderful patina and a strong, monumental presence. Size: 19.125" H (48.6 cm); 21.125" H (53.7 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: ex-old private New England collection, acquired in the 1970s; ex private collection J. Morris, MD collection, Florida, USA, 1960s; ex-Florida museum, 1973 to present; Inv # S-73-43
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.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#159397
Provenance: ex-old private New England collection, acquired in the 1970s; ex private collection J. Morris, MD collection, Florida, USA, 1960s; ex-Florida museum, 1973 to present; Inv # S-73-43
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.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#159397
Condition
Losses to one breast and lower legs as shown. Expected surface wear with abrasions and nicks to browline, lips, ears, and other high pointed areas commensurate with age. Slight desiccation of lower legs due to old moisture damage. Stable 3.25" age crack from neck to chest. Otherwise in overall good condition with excellent original shrine patina.
Buyer's Premium
- 24.5%
Early 20th C. African Lobi Wood Female Bateba Figure
Estimate $900 - $1,400
3 bidders are watching this item.
Get approved to bid.
Shipping & Pickup Options
Item located in Louisville, CO, usOffers In-House Shipping
Local Pickup Available
Payment
TOP