African Tribal Art: Lobi people, Burkina Faso: Bateba figure of a woman. 19th century, circa 1890, carved wood, mounted onto a wooden stand. The upper portion of this rough-hewn figure is patinated and worn smooth from handling.

The Lobi create male and female spirit figure sculptures called bateba, which are considered living beings which may see, communicate, and intervene on behalf of their spirits. They are kept in the homes of their owners, displayed in small shrine rooms used for the worship of ancestors.

9.5H, 11H on stand (inches).

Private Collection, Massachusetts, Private Collection, New York
 

Aged, worn condition, with some wood losses as can be seen in the photos.

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