Description: Stunning and special Lobi ancestral figure from Burkina Faso in Africa, early 20th century. This rare two headed ancestral figure has obvious signs of use with residue of libations over the years. Great provenance! From the Estate of Jack Faxon, Birmingham, MI & NYC. Michigan State Senator, 1971-1985. Creator of the Michigan Council for the Arts. Ex. Arte Primitivo. Size: 28-3/4”H. (73cm) The Lobi people live mainly in Burkina Faso, with smaller groups residing in Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. They are mainly farmers who sustain themselves growing millet, sorghum and corn, and cash crops like peanuts and cotton. They also raise livestock and will occasionally hunt. Traditionally, the Lobi lived in self-governing villages until 1901 when the French brought colonialism to the area. Despite the significant Islamic influence surrounding them, the Lobi have largely maintained their animistic beliefs. This is a Bateba generally translates to “wooden carved figure”. The Lobi consider these figures to be protective house spirits. Throughout Lobi country exact meaning can differ, but the general consensus is that the figures function to protect the families who own them. Families provide offerings and sacrifices to the spirits that reside in the figures in hopes of keeping them happy so they continue to serve the family. Offerings can include food, beer, sacrificed animal blood, pottery, and other things. The bateba are always placed on a shrine in the house and they are regarded as living beings with the ability to act against forces that could harm the family.
Price: 2500 USD
Location: New York, New York
End Time: 2023-10-30T01:30:08.000Z
Shipping Cost: 25 USD
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