Lobi Bateba with Sacrificial Patina

“Bateba” translates as carved wooden figure. Such figures were made for a variety of purposes and in an assortment of forms: couples, amorous couples and single figures in various poses both standing and seated. Every Lobi household maintained an altar but each attended to it in their own way according to the intensity of their belief or need and in accordance to their ability. Although any member of Lobi society could declare himself a carver, some artists stood out for their skill and distinctive signature in rendering the human form within a general style nevertheless recognized as “Lobi”. There was a time, up until a few years ago, that statues of similar age emerged every so often from Burkina Faso. This essentially no longer occurs. Fine, older, used Lobi statuary are finite in number and becoming increasingly scarce. The sacrificial patina on this Bateba, coupled with the weathered-away left leg, evidences the figure’s significant use and age. 

28″

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