Description:

**Originally Listed At $300**

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

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#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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December 29, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000