Small standing figure "bateba phuwe" · Burkina Faso, Lobi · ID: 3039784
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 25 May 2013, lot 150
Hans Dietrich Rielau, Hösbach, Germany
Description
wood, encrusted brown patina, asymmetrical eyes, “phisa” coiffure, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
according to the Lobi, god once sent the “thila” to the people, who should take care of their well-being and should sustain organization of society. They give order for building a shrine or carving a “bateba” figure. The “bateba” figures come alive and active when they are positioned on a shrine. They combine human appearance and certain superhuman qualities of the “thila”, they are their assistants to a certain extent. Accordingly “bateba” are able to recognize witches and fight them, as well as prevent harm, imposed by the witches.
The object Small standing figure “bateba phuwe” with the object ID 3039784 was part of the auction 82nd Tribal Art Auction on February 27, 2016, lot number 110 at that time and is currently available for EUR 600 in Open sale.
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