Ancestor Figure – Wood – Lobi – Burkina Faso

Great Lobi wooden ancestor figure. Lobi Figures are the enigmatic, brooding sculpture that protect the Lobi people of Burkina Faso. 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. The accumulation of statues on a family altar gave social status and were passed on from father to son. Most were frontal and symmetrical, but some have unusually animated gestures. Provenance: former private Italian collection.

Object:	Ancestor Figure
Ethnic group:	Lobi
Country:	Burkina Faso
Material:	Wood
Period:	Mid 20th century
Sold with stand:	No
Dimensions:	45x8x8 cm
Weight:	750 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used with some signs of wear