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Photographs © Tim Hamill
Lobi Figures are the enigmatic, brooding sculpture that protect the Lobi people of Burkina Faso. Ranging in size from 7 - 47" high, most are frontal, symmetrical and timeless sentinels expressing the traditional beliefs of the Lobi. Several, such as these couple figures, depart from the norm with animated gestures, asymmetry or a great degree of symbolic abstraction.
The figures were placed on family altars in the thilda, a small sacristy
or room in each dwelling. Each figure was not a representation but an actual
spirit, or tibil thil. It protected the family and home from illness
and other misfortunes. The spirit could also be used for divination; it
could demand offerings and additions of other figures. The accumulation
of statues on a family altar gave social status and were passed on from
father to son. The collection we have on exhibit is large and varied. Most
were frontal and symmetrical, but some have unusually animated gestures.
GO TO LOBI DAGARI FIGURES PAGE
GO TO LOBI FIGURES ARCHIVES PAGE
GO TO LOBI SNAKE CURRENCY PAGE
GO TO LOBI SNAKE CURRENCY PAGE 2
GO TO FAMILY MATTERS EXHIBITION PAGE
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