Description:

Western Africa, Burkina Faso, Lobi peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. An intriguing anthropomorphic bateba (literally "carved wooden figure"), hand-carved from a single piece of hard wood and colored with a dark-brown pigment. The figure stands upon delineated legs which trace upwards to a slender chest and a slightly distended abdomen. A pair of raised arms extend from sloping shoulders, and a thick neck supports the ovoid head. Incised semicircular eyes flank a petite triangular nose set above full lips, and heavy eye brows rest underneath the bald pate. This figure is known as a "bateba duntundara" or "dangerous bateba," not because it is meant to harm, but rather to protect. Also referred to as "bateba ti puo," figures like this are typically placed in or near building entrances to safeguard those inside from malevolent forces like disease, evil spirits, or witchcraft. Custom wooden display stand included. Size: 12.3" W x 17" H (31.2 cm x 43.2 cm); 18" H (45.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-private Pearson collection, Denver, Colorado, USA

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#144869

  • Condition: Small losses to legs, body, and arms, with minor abrasions and nicks, and light encrustations and feather remains. Light earthen deposits and fine patina throughout.

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April 4, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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