Female shrine figure · Burkina Faso, Nako region, Lobi / Pwa/ Puguli (Pougouli)/ Jaa · ID: 3047351
Description
wood, rest. (left arm and part of the right leg), base
This figure can be assigned to the so-called “Kelkoa style”. Characteristic for this style are especially the prominent eyes, which are surrounded by concentric rings. This characteristic gave the sculptures the somewhat flappy name “Lobi with glasses”. According to information collected on site, this special form of the eyes is said to reproduce the facial expression of a possessed person (Fischer / Homberger 2014, p. 189).
A stylistically very similar figure illustrated in Fischer / Homberger, p. 192, ill. 263. Both figures show great similarities in body structure (massive angular shoulder area, broad, short neck) and, in addition to the striking eye shape, show an unusually disc-shaped, flattened mouth and noticeably deep-set ears.
Comparing literature
Fischer, Eberhard & Lorenz Homberger, Afrikanische Meister, Kunst der Elfenbeinküste, Zürich 2014, p. 192, ill. 263 Meyer, Piet, Kunst und Religion der Lobi, Zürich 1981, ill. 42 f.
Publications
Carini, Vittorio, "A Hidden Heritage, Sculture africane in collezioni private italiane", Milano 2004, ill. 50Exhibition
Milan, Italy: "A Hidden Heritage, Sculture africane in collezioni private italiane", Galleria Dalton Somaré, 2004