Janiform protective figure "thil dokpa"

Description

wood, shiny reddish brown patina, black paint, male/female, slightly dam., minor missing parts (hands, male genital), base;
“bateba” figures with janus head or body were called “thil dokpa” - “glued thil”. They belong to the so-called “extraordinary people” (“ti bala”), who show unusal physical characteristics. Such “bateba” are believed to have special power. The Lobi thought that an unusual outward appearance is equivalent to unusual talents and skills.

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