Janiform protective figure "thil dokpa" ·  Burkina Faso, Lobi · ID: 3052166

Description

wood, 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.