Female Figure (Bateba Phuwe).
Great example of an Antique Lobi figure / carving / statue, unfortunately with some historic woodworm damage.
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Every family from the Lobi people own bateba figures. They are believed to house nature spirits known as thil and are kept in a special shrine room called a thilda. Sacrifices are often offered to the bateba in hopes of good fortune.
The Lobi people live mainly in Burkina Faso, with smaller groups residing in Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. They are mainly farmers who sustain themselves growing millet, sorghum and corn, and cash crops like peanuts and cotton. They also raise livestock and will occasionally hunt. Traditionally, the Lobi lived in self-governing villages until 1901 when the French brought colonialism to the area. Despite the significant Islamic influence surrounding them, the Lobi have largely maintained their animistic beliefs.
Great example of an Antique Lobi figure / carving / statue, unfortunately with some historic woodworm damage.
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Every family from the Lobi people own bateba figures. They are believed to house nature spirits known as thil and are kept in a special shrine room called a thilda. Sacrifices are often offered to the bateba in hopes of good fortune.
The Lobi people live mainly in Burkina Faso, with smaller groups residing in Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. They are mainly farmers who sustain themselves growing millet, sorghum and corn, and cash crops like peanuts and cotton. They also raise livestock and will occasionally hunt. Traditionally, the Lobi lived in self-governing villages until 1901 when the French brought colonialism to the area. Despite the significant Islamic influence surrounding them, the Lobi have largely maintained their animistic beliefs.