Skip to Main Content »

You're currently on:

Search Site
 

Lobi Bateba Standing Shrine Figure Thil African Art

Double click on above image to view full picture

Zoom Out
Zoom In

Lobi Bateba Standing Shrine Figure Thil African Art

Regular Price: $210.00

Special Price: $150.00

Product #: 67445
US Shipping: $32.90
Add Items to Cart


Type of Object Carving, figure
Country of Origin Burkina Faso, Mali, Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana
People Lobi
Materials wood
Approximate Age second half 20th century
Dimensions Height: 25.5 inches. H. x 4 inches W.
Overall Condition Poor. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.   Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use.  We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings.  Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.
Damage/Repair several holes, cracks and chips from old insect damage arrested throughout the body, in head and , legd and feet, stainsa big dent damage in forehead. Does not stand!


Lobi Bateba Shrine Figure Thil , African Art

Additional Information: A standing figure with schematic arms attached to the body. This figurine is identified with the Lobi people.It shows good age and worn patina. 

The Lobi people, who live in Burkina Faso and Ghana, revere spirits known as Thil, and build shrines to them, which are filled with figures like this one. These figures, known as Bateba, are believed to embody the Thil spirits. The Bateba are looked upon as living beings charged with special powers who move, fight against witches, and have intercourse with each other. The Lobi believe that the Bateba are superior to humans, but inferior to the Thil spirits, so the Bateba is first activated by putting it in a Thil shrine. The Bateba keep sorcerers away, and help the Thil ward off misfortune. They also play a role in the divination system.

Recommended Reading:

See AFRICAN MASTERPIECES FROM MUNICH-The Stratlisches Museum fur Volkerkunde. For a superb collection of Lobi figures, see LOBI SKULPTUREN AUS DER KOLLECTION KATSOUROS.


I have examined this piece and agree with the description.
Niangi Batulukisi, PhD.