LOBI FIGURES


Click on a name to see larger images.

 

LOBI
Figure, 25
10.5"
$1000

 

LOBI
Figure 24
11"
$800 

LOBI
Figure 59
12.5"
$800

 

LOBI
Figure 94
10.5,"
$800

 

  LOBI
Figure 82
14.5"
$650

 

LOBI
Figure 33
30"
$600 

 

LOBI
Figure 34
30"
$500

 

LOBI
Figure 35
27.5"
$500

 

LOBI
Figure 36
28"
$500

 

LOBI
Figure 52
18"
$500

 

LOBI
Figure 68
24"
SOLD

 

LOBI
Figure 90
25"
$400


 

 

LOBI
Figure 43
22.5"
$350

 

LOBI
Figure 50
18.5"
$350

 

LOBI
Figure 87
22.5"
$350

 

LOBI
Figure 55
16.5"
$300

 

LOBI
Figure 69
19"
$250

 

LOBI
Figure 57
15"
$250

 

LOBI
Figure 20
12.5"
$250

 

LOBI
Figure 74
7.25"
$100

Photographs © Tim Hamill

LOBI FIGURES, Burkina Faso

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 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. Most were frontal and symmetrical, but some have unusually animated gestures.

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