Large figure "bateba ti puo" · Burkina Faso, Lobi · ID: 3040569
German Private Collection
Description
wood, strongly encrusted blackish brown patina, encrustations with clay, standing figure with overlong outstretched arms, slightly dam., cracks, minor missing parts (fingers of the right hand), small traces of insect caused damage (both feet), abrasion of paint, base;
with the Lobi, the so-called “thila” are responsible to give ritual instructions to the people. The “thila” are invisible beings provided with supernatural powers and skills, who serve as mediatiors between god and the people. In case of problems the “thila” give order to have a figure sculpted. These figures are called “bateba” and have to fulfill a special task within a temporary fixed time. The Lobi differentiate between four types of “bateba” protective figures. Present figure belongs to the type of “dangerous persons” (“ti puo”), they show a defense attitude, elevating one or both hands next to the head to block the house for invisible enemies, they are even more effective in fighting witches. According to Pirat, women of the Lobi show this gesture after the death of a family member in order to ward off evil.