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.
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