Lot: 110

82nd Tribal Art Auction

Figurine debout "bateba phuwe"

Burkina Faso, Lobi

Provenance Taille Prix d’appel / Prix d'Estimation
Harry Schwall, Karlsruhe, Germany
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 25 May 2013, lot 150
Hans Dietrich Rielau, Hösbach, Germany
H: 14 cm 600 EUR
Frais supplémentaires : 27% de commission, TVA, expédition et assurance transport

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.