Pair of Large Lobi Figures

The Lobi carve figures for a variety of purposes but larger figures are created for private altars where they are subject to the ritual practices and conditions of the household. In homes where ritual sacrifice is more frequent and includes the spilling of chicken blood the bateba become encrusted and dark, particularly on the front as figures are positioned close to if not leaning against a wall. This dramatically carved couple appears not to have been subject to blood sacrifice. Their surfaces are well oxidized and show accumulations of earth and traces of liquid, ritual libations but no traces of blood sacrifice. The nose of the female has been professionally restored due to erosion suffered in situ. Years ago when I had a chance to buy the pair, a price was given for the dramatic and complete male and for the male and female together. The numbers were relatively close, the male was worth the price and it seemed somehow unethical to break the pair apart after they had travel so long and so far together.

21.5″ 

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