Janusheaded figure "bateba ti bala"
Burkina Faso, Lobi
sold
EUR 1,050
Provenance
Ilia Malichin, Baden-Baden, GermanySize
H: 21,5 cm
H: 8.5 inch
Description
wood, slightly encrusted brown patina, delicate facial features, dam., small missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
belonging to the type of the extraordinary persons “bateba ti bala”, who are considered to be outstanding strong and powerful. The Lobi believed that an unusual outward appearance is equivalent with unusual talents and skills.
Publications
van de Velde, Lucien, Traditional art from the West African Savanna, Antwerp 2010AHDRC: 0004226