LOBI STATUE from Burkina Faso. Shrine Statue store to Invoke the Rain. African Tribal Tribale Art.

A Lobi Statue or Bateba meaning 'Carved Wooden Figure' in Lobi Dialect.
Miniature Statue, (41 cm, 16 inches), made from a hardwood.
Clothed with Leather trousers and a twine or string top. Animal hair has been used over the hands.
The legs have been shaped to a point or pushing into the ground.
The figure is depicted with both arms into the air, this is believed to invoke rain.
The head and face is skilfully carved with nice detail.
The Lobi people inhabit parts of southern Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire.
The Lobi are well documented for their animist beliefs, which involves regular store interaction with ancestral and other types of spirits.
These Lobi figures are believed to embody the spirit of the Thila (supernatural spirits). Lobi dwellings often have more than one alter and when the statue is placed at the alter it is believed to take on these spirits incarnated as statuettes however they are believed to be inferior to the village protective spirits, or Thila, from whom they derive their powers.

This Collectable piece of Tribal Art was personally collected in Burkina Faso.
It is in a Vintage condition. Worn and used. Some dirt from its African existence.

Height 16 inches, 41 cm.
Tracked Postage