Description:

West Africa, Burkina Faso, Lobi peoples, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A fine example of a hand-carved anthropomorphic figure known as a bateba (also boteba) with a stylized visage and a simple tubular body. The face is elongated with stubby ears, half-closed eyes, a triangular nose, and large lips. This head was part of a shrine and represents a spirit that protects the village. A special spirit known as a thila watches over each village and acts as a liaison between the villagers and the supernatural world. These thila communicate through shamans to decide where shrines are built, and wooden bateba figures represent the spirits. Size: 4" W x 15.25" H (10.2 cm x 38.7 cm); 15.5" H (39.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York City, New York, USA collection, purchased in July 1989

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#160837

  • Condition: Old inactive insect holes. Nicks, chips, and abrasions. Losses to the body, ears, and lips. Stable hairline fissures and cracks. Nice patina.

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June 24, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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