Lobi Bateba Figure

Name/Title

Lobi Bateba Figure

Entry/Object ID

2007.11.3

Description

Lobi bateba figure These wooden statues, produced in Burkina Faso sometime during the 19th or 20th centuries, embody the Lobi people's devotion to providing and protecting for their families. For the Lobi, femininity symbolized the fertility of nature and the continuation of family lineage. Bateba figures were crafted to resemble their owners, with distinct features and hairstyles. The Lobi believed that hair held sacred power, safeguarding against malevolent spirits. These statues served as protectors of their territory, and were placed in homes to ward off evil spirits. Both sculptures in their own right are an embodiment of providing and protecting.

Artwork Details

Medium

Wood

Made/Created

Time Period

19th Century, 20th Century

Interpretative Labels

Label Type

Credit Line

Label

Saint Joseph's University Purchase