Figure Item Number: 1373/22 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Bateba figure. Tall standing human with a thin ridge along the top of the head. The eyebrows, eyes, nose, and mouth are carved outward. The shoulders are squared with the arms hanging down to the side and the palms of the hands facing outward. There are two upside down triangle shapes pointing downward from the top of the shoulders. The belly is rounded with a protruding belly button. The stand is painted black.
History Of Use
Bateba figures are grouped together with other materials in domestic shrines. Bateba represent the Thils, a family’s guardian spirits that act as protective intermediaries between natural and mortal worlds.
Item History
- Made in Cote d'Ivoire
- Owned by Helen Purkis before May 30, 1989
- Received from Helen Purkis (Donor) on May 30, 1989
What
Who
- Culture
- Lobi
- Previous Owner
- Helen Purkis
- Received from
- Helen Purkis (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Cote d'Ivoire
When
- Ownership Date
- before May 30, 1989
- Acquisition Date
- on May 30, 1989
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- poor
- Accession Number
- 1373/0022