Small standing figure "bateba phuwe"
Click here to view a larger version of the imageLot: 110
82nd Tribal Art AuctionSmall standing figure "bateba phuwe"
Burkina Faso, Lobi
Provenance | Size | Starting price / estimated price |
---|---|---|
Harry Schwall, Karlsruhe, Germany Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 25 May 2013, lot 150 Hans Dietrich Rielau, Hösbach, Germany |
H: 5.5 inch |
600 EUR
plus 27 % commission, VAT, transport and insurance |
wood, encrusted brown patina, asymmetrical eyes, "phisa" coiffure, min. dam., fine cracks, slight traces of abrasion, base;
according to the Lobi, god once sent the "thila" to the people, who should take care of their well-being and should sustain organization of society. They give order for building a shrine or carving a "bateba" figure. The "bateba" figures come alive and active when they are positioned on a shrine. They combine human appearance and certain superhuman qualities of the "thila", they are their assistants to a certain extent. Accordingly "bateba" are able to recognize witches and fight them, as well as prevent harm, imposed by the witches.