Janiform protective figure "thil dokpa" · Burkina Faso, Lobi · ID: 3052166
Price
EUR 500
plus 27 % commission, VAT, transport and insurance
Provenance
Thomas L. McNemar, Lexington, Virginia, USASize
H: 28,5 cm
H: 11.2 inch
Description
wood, base
“Bateba” figures with janus head or body were called “thil dokpa” - “glued thil”. They belong to the so-called “extraordinary people” (“ti bala”), who show unusal physical characteristics. Such “bateba” are believed to have special power. The Lobi thought that an unusual outward appearance is equivalent to unusual talents and skills.
The object Janiform protective figure “thil dokpa” with the object ID 3052166 was part of the auction Collectors’ Items Sale on September 24, 2025, lot number 116 at that time and is currently available for EUR 500 in Open sale.
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