Standing male shrine figure ·  Burkina Faso, Lobi, Puguli (Pougouli) · ID: 3047071

Description

wood, missing parts (insect caused damage), base

This very old figure was originally part of a pair of figures (see Mallet / Coquet, 2008, p. 46). It was presumably once placed at a shrine and shows traces of strong sacrifice, through which the goodwill of the spirits was to be obtained.

It can be assigned to the so-called “Lobi with glasses”, a term that was created around the turn of the millennium and is derived from the ring-shaped framing of the eyes. A comparable figure shown in Keller/ Katsouros, 2014, ill. S1A-96.

According to the informant Binaté Kambou, these sculptures were made by sculptors from the Puguli (or Pougouli) ethnic group.

The figures are always carved from the wood of the sacred “khaàbiri” tree, which is associated with bush spirits and plays a role in rituals.

The object Standing male shrine figure with the object ID 3047071 was part of the auction 95th Tribal Art Auction on October 24, 2020. The object with the lot number 140 achieved a sales price of EUR 2,400 with an asking price of EUR 2,000.

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Comparing literature

Keller, Thomas & Floros Katsouros, Lobi Statuary: Brillen, Lully 2014, p. 8 ff.

Exhibition

S. Mallet, Coquet M.: "Gloire de la Femme dans l’art africain", Exposition 28 juin-14 septembre, 2008, p. 46