Great Lobi wooden ancestor figure.

Lobi Figures are the enigmatic, brooding sculpture that protect the Lobi people of Burkina Faso. Most are frontal, symmetrical and timeless sentinels expressing the traditional beliefs of the Lobi. Several depart from the norm with animated gestures, asymmetry or a great degree of symbolic abstraction.
The figures were placed on family altars in the thilda, a small sacristy or room in each dwelling. Each figure was not a representation but an actual spirit, or tibil thil. It protected the family and home from illness and other misfortunes. The spirit could also be used for divination; it could demand offerings and additions of other figures. The accumulation of statues on a family altar gave social status and were passed on from father to son. Most were frontal and symmetrical, but some have unusually animated gestures.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm, Germany. Custom made stand is included.

Object:

Ancestor Figure

Ethnic group:

Lobi

Country:

Burkina Faso

Material:

Wood

Period:

Mid 20th century

Sold with stand:

Yes

Dimensions:

21x5x5 cm

Weight:

300 gram

Condition:

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Reserve: $100.00

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $39.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

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Location: This item ships from The Netherlands

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