Ancestor figure "sakap tchitchiri" ·  Togo, Moba · ID: 3034675

Description

wood, brown patina, dark paint in some area, of abstract form without recognizable facial features, dam., cracks, missing parts through insect caused damage, traces of abrasion, metal plate;
according to size and usage the sculptures of the Moba can be divided in three groups: the smaller figures, displayed on altars are called “yendu tchitchiri” and have protective function for personal use; the medium sized sculptures depict a close ancestor of the patriarch and were called “bavong tchitchiri”. The big sculptures finally, represent the clan founder “sakap”, they are called “sakap tchitchiri” and protect the whole village. They are posted outdoors, which is the reason why they all have severe traces of weathering.

Littérature comparée

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Lexikon Afrikanische Kunst und Kultur, München, Berlin 1994, p. 283