 Figure 37 SOLD |
 Figure 39 SOLD |
 Figure 41 SOLD |
 Figure 42 SOLD |
Figure 44 SOLD |
Figure 45 SOLD |
Figure 46 SOLD |
Figure 47 SOLD |
 Figure 48 SOLD |
 Figure 49 SOLD |
 Figure 51 SOLD |
 Figure 53 SOLD |
 Figure 56 SOLD |
 Figure 60 SOLD |
 Figure 61 SOLD |
 Figure 62 SOLD |
 Figure 63 SOLD |
 Head 78 SOLD |
 Figure 70 SOLD |
 Figure 81 SOLD |
 Figure 85 SOLD |
 Figure 88 SOLD |
 Figure 89 SOLD |
 Figure 92 SOLD |
 Figure 93 SOLD |
These enigmatic, brooding figures protect the Lobi people of Burkina
Faso. Ranging in size from 7 - 47" high, 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. Rarely, a head is
used similarly to the figures. The accumulation of statues on a family altar
gave social status and were passed on from father to son.
TRIBE |
OBJECT |
