Head stake "baathil" ·  Burkina Faso, Lobi · ID: 3041582

Description

wood, post-like neck with remains of red pigment, accurately carved neck with rich dark brown, slightly shiny patina, min. dam., small missing parts, slight traces of abrasion, base;
such head stakes are meant as support for “khele”, a terrible power released by a killing. It is thrust into a mount of earth to form a “milkuur” shrine. The practice of carving a head without a body and sticking it on a shrine to symbolize the great power acquired by the murderers in the “milkuur” cult seems to originate from the ritual treatment that the Gan give the bodies of their kings and chief dignitaries. The bodies are always buried far away from the head.

Publications

AHDRC: 0139715