Figure Item Number: 2815/12 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Bateba figure with bent legs. The face has a pronounced brow, carved eyes, and protruding nose, mouth and ears. A narrow strip of wood hair runs down the centre of the head from forehead to back of head, with a triangular protrusion at nape of neck. The figure’s back is straight, while the stomach protrudes to the front and has a knob as a navel. The arms hang at the sides, with all five fingers carved in each hand, whereas the legs are bent at the waist and knees, and end in roughly carved feet.
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.
Narrative
The Lobi live in Ghana, Burkino Faso and Cote d'Ivoire; the place of origin is uncertain.
Item History
- Made in Burkina Faso ?
- Owned by David Torontow and Dorothy Torontow before September 14, 2010
- Received from David Torontow (Donor) and Dorothy Torontow (Donor) on September 14, 2010
What
Who
- Culture
- Lobi
- Previous Owner
- David Torontow and Dorothy Torontow
- Received from
- David Torontow (Donor) and Dorothy Torontow (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Burkina Faso ?
When
- Ownership Date
- before September 14, 2010
- Acquisition Date
- on September 14, 2010
Other
- Item Classes
- carvings & sculpture
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2815/0012