Messenger bell – Bronze – Lobi – Burkina Faso

A bronze messenger bell from the Lobi people of Burkina Faso is a functional ritual object that also carries strong symbolic meaning. These bells were traditionally used to communicate messages, call community members, or signal important events. Their sound was believed to travel not only through the physical world but also into the spiritual realm, reaching protective spirits known as Thil. Often cast using the lost‑wax technique, Lobi bronze bells feature geometric patterns or stylized faces, as seen in documented examples with quadrangular bases and raised facial motifs . Such decorations were not merely ornamental—they expressed identity, protection, and the presence of ancestral forces. Within Lobi culture, bronze objects—including bells, figurines, pendants, and bracelets—reflect a long tradition of metalworking and spiritual craftsmanship. The Lobi settled in Burkina Faso in the late 18th century and developed a rich artistic vocabulary centered on communication with the unseen world and maintaining harmony within the community . A bronze messenger bell is therefore more than a tool: it is a cultural instrument, a spiritual conduit, and a distinctive piece of West African artistry. Provenance: Manfred Schäfer, former gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.

Object:	Bell
Ethnic group:	Lobi
Country:	Burkina Faso
Material:	Bronze
Period:
Sold with stand:	No
Dimensions:	15x10x10 cm
Weight:	350 gram
Condition:	Good condition, used with some signs of wear