African Arts Gallery

Female figure represented naked, and whose specificities seem to indicate that she was associated with fertility. This type of sculpture was placed on the altar after a ritual to become the receptacle of a bush spirit, the Thil, and thus become an active, intermediary being who fights against sorcerers and all other harmful forces. br> Minimal cracks. Grainy matte patina.
When honored, these spirits would manifest their benevolence in the form of abundant rains, good health, many births. These spirits are supposed, among the Lobi, to transmit to the soothsayers the laws to follow in order to benefit from their protection.
They are represented by wooden or copper sculptures called Bateba (large or small, figurative or abstract, they adopt different attitudes that symbolize ...

Couple depicted standing. The graceful elongation of the neck contrasts with the full busts of these naked figures, simply adorned with jewelry.
Khaki brown patina.
Flat bases: 8/8 cm.
The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name "Lobi", make up one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. They are not very numerous in Ghana, but have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the eighteenth century that the Lobi , coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara , the Dian , the Gan and the Birifor . The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the Thil, the latter being supposed to protect them, ...

A bateba or lineage ancestor rises from a stake fragment whose base is ravined. The bust carried by semi-flexed legs tilts backwards, making the abdomen bulge on which the hands rest. The massive head, with horizontal features, bears a thick crest associated with the cult type.
Thick greyish patina with ocher residues. Desication cracks.
The populations of the same cultural region, grouped together under the name "lobi", form a fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Few in number in Ghana, some of them also live in northern Côte d'Ivoire. It was at the end of the 18th century that the Lobi, coming from Northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara, the Dian, the Gan and the Birifor. The Lobi believe in a Creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom ...

Seated couple, each with traditional headdress and a necklace-talisman. Velvety khaki patina. The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name "Lobi", make up one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the eighteenth century that the Lobi , coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara , the Dian , the Gan and the Birifor . The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the Thil, the latter being supposed to protect them, with the help of the diviner, against a host of plagues. Geniuses of the bush, red-haired beings called ...

Ex-collection French African art.
This effigy of a Ligan ancestor was carved after various rituals including his descendants and prescribed by the soothsayer. It is then when the lineage goes out that the statue can be ceded or abandoned. This feminine effigy with a crest hairstyle is represented semi-flexed legs, a hand resting on the abdomen. The physiognomy suggests a deep meditation. Powerful long legs extend a prominent buttock. Desication cracks, matte powdery patina, ochre pigment residue. The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name " lobi ", make up one-fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Few in Ghana, they have also settled in northern Côte d'Ivoire. It was at the end of the 18th century that the Lobi, from North Ghana, settled among the ...

Minimalist animal figure, in metal. Black grainy patina. LOBI communities are organized around nature spirits. When honored, these spirits show their benevolence in the form of abundant rainfall, good health, and numerous births; when ignored, they withdraw it and bring devastating epidemics, drought, and suffering. These spirits transmit to the diviners the laws that the followers must follow to receive their protection. These spirits are represented by wooden or copper sculptures called BATEBA (large or small, figurative or abstract, they adopt different attitudes that symbolize the power or the particular talent that the spirit uses to protect its owners). These figurines are placed on family altars, in a dark corner of the owners' house, along with various sculptures embodying ...

Minimalism for this zoomorphic figure in black iron. A slender silhouette offering residues of libations mixed with baby bird's down. Grainy rust patina.
The populations of the same cultural region, grouped together under the name "lobi", make up a fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Few in number in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of Côte d'Ivoire. It was at the end of the 18th century that the Lobi, coming from North Ghana, established themselves among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara, the Dian, the Gan and the Birifor. The Lobi believe in a Creator God named Thangba Thu, whom they address through the worship of many intermediary spirits, the Thil, these the latter being supposed to protect them, with the help of the diviner, against a host of plagues. ...

Protective figure of a crocodile. Khaki patina with golden highlights. The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name "Lobi", make up one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the eighteenth century that the Lobi , coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara , the Dian , the Gan and the Birifor . The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the Thil, the latter being supposed to protect them, with the help of the diviner, against a host of plagues. Geniuses of the bush, red-haired beings called Kontuor , are ...

Ex-Belgian tribal art collection.

Lobi African art. Figurative African sculptures with many delicately rendered details. This type of statuette was placed on the altar after a ritual to become the receptacle of a bush spirit, the Thil, and thus become an active, intermediary being who fights against sorcerers and all other harmful forces.
Abrasions of use, velvety matte patina.
When honored, these spirits manifest their benevolence in the form of abundant rains, good health, many births; Ignored, they withdraw it and lead to devastating epidemics, drought and suffering.
These spirits transmit to the soothsayers the laws that followers must follow to receive their protection.
They are represented by wooden or copper sculptures called Bateba (large or ...

Ex-collection African art from Belgium.
Seated figurative couple. They wear the traditional hairstyle and a necklace-talisman. Velvety khaki patina.
The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name "Lobi", form one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the eighteenth century that the Lobi , coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara , the Dian , the Gan and the Birifor . The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the Thil, the latter being supposed to protect them, with the help of the diviner, against a ...

Ex-Belgian African art collection.
Ankle ring acting as an amulet, the decorative patterns of which, referring to Lobi beliefs, were supposed to protect the wearer. Many rings were produced in southwestern Burkina Faso, having more currency value.
Height on base: 17 cm.
Ring only: 300 gr.
The populations of the same cultural region, grouped together under the name "lobi", form a fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Few in Ghana, they have also settled in northern Côte d'Ivoire. It was at the end of the 18th century that the Lobi, coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara, the Dian, the Gan and the Birifor. The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they address themselves through the ...

Among the elements of African furniture of daily use, an ancient seat lobi from Burkina Faso, rectangular, which four massive legs support. This type of stool for individual use marked the social rank of its owner and was not lent in any case.
The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name "Lobi", make up one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the 18th century that the Lobi, coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara, Dian, Gan and Birifor.
Patina of use, light golden brown, abrasions.

Minimalism for this anthropomorphic figure in black iron. A graceful male figure that seems to be propelled by contrast thanks to the size of its body. Crusty mottled patina. The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name "Lobi", make up one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the eighteenth century that the Lobi , coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara , the Dian , the Gan and the Birifor . The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the Thil, the latter being supposed to protect them, with the help of the ...

African art Lobi.
This little Bateba statuette, whose gnawed wood has a grainy matte patina, depicts a naked female figure. This type of statuettes were placed on the altar after a ritual to become the receptacle of a bush spirit, the Thil, and thus become an active, intermediate being that fights against sorcerers and other evil forces. Desication crack in the back.
When they are honoured, these spirits show their benevolence in the form of heavy rains, good health, numerous births; Ignored, they remove it and lead to devastating epidemics, drought and suffering.
These spirits pass on to the soothsayers the laws that followers must follow in order to receive their protection.
They are represented by wooden or copper sculptures called Bateba (large or small, ...

Ex-collection African art from Belgium.
Seated figurative couple, hands on knees. Velvety brown patina, golden highlights.
The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name "lobi", form one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the eighteenth century that the Lobi , coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara , the Dian , the Gan and the Birifor . The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the Thil, the latter being supposed to protect them, with the help of the diviner, against a host of plagues. ...

Seated figures carrying containers. Velvety khaki patina. The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name "Lobi", make up one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the eighteenth century that the Lobi , coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara , the Dian , the Gan and the Birifor . The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the Thil, the latter being supposed to protect them, with the help of the diviner, against a host of plagues. Geniuses of the bush, red-haired beings called Kontuor , are moreover supposed to ...

Figurative couple seated, quenching their thirst. Velvety gray patina. The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name "Lobi", make up one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the eighteenth century that the Lobi , coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara , the Dian , the Gan and the Birifor . The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the Thil, the latter being supposed to protect them, with the help of the diviner, against a host of plagues. Geniuses of the bush, red-haired beings called Kontuor , are ...

Ankle ring used as an amulet, whose decorative motifs, referring to Lobi beliefs, were supposed to protect the wearer. Numerous rings were produced in the southwest of Burkina Faso, also having value as money. Height on base: 18 cm. The populations of the same cultural region, grouped together under the name "Lobi", form one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also established themselves in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the 18th century that the Lobi, coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara, the Dian, the Gan and the Birifor. The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the ...

The carved pattern of this Lobi object is supposed to contain the "khele", a power present in every human being and which, following the death of an individual or an animal, must be mastered in order not to harm. Golden brown patina, shiny. Cracks.
The populations of the same cultural region, grouped together under the name "Lobi", form one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. In the late 18th century, the Lobi came from northern Ghana and settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara, Dian, Gan and Birifor. The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the Thil, who are supposed to ...

Figurative couple seated, arms raised. They are wearing traditional headdress and a necklace-talisman. Velvety khaki patina. The populations of the same cultural region, grouped under the name "Lobi", make up one fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Although they are not very numerous in Ghana, they have also settled in the north of the Ivory Coast. It was at the end of the eighteenth century that the Lobi , coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara , the Dian , the Gan and the Birifor . The Lobi believe in a creator God named Thangba Thu, to whom they turn through the worship of numerous intermediate spirits, the Thil, the latter being supposed to protect them, with the help of the diviner, against a host of plagues. Geniuses of the ...

Couple figured back to back, symbolizing complementarity. Khaki brown patina, golden highlights. Populations from the same cultural region, grouped under the name "lobi," make up one-fifth of the inhabitants of Burkina Faso. Not very numerous in Ghana, they also settled in the north of Côte d'Ivoire. It was at the end of the eighteenth century that the Lobi , coming from northern Ghana, settled among the indigenous Thuna and Puguli, the Dagara, Dian, Gan, and Birifor.