The Lobi believe in invisible and often evil spirits called ‘Thila’ (‘Thil’ in the singular). They are responsible for bad luck, illness, etc. Whenever a Lobi has a problem, he goes to the ‘priest’ or soothsayer of his village and asks him for advice. The ‘priest’ requests that his client have a wood figure carved in a very specific form. Such figures are called ‘Bateba’ and they are regarded as a ‘temporary abode’ for an invisible ‘Thil’ spirit. ‘Batebas’ are placed in special shrines and receive sacrificial offerings. This enables the Lobi priest to establish a contact with the ‘Thil’ spirit, for the latter now has a ‘place’ in the figure. The present male, standing ‘Bateba figure’ is made of hard, heavy wood and is stylistically very nicely and impeccably crafted. Especially on the front side, it displays noticeable, slightly encrusted traces of prolonged sacrificial offerings. This is because ‘Bateba’ figures are placed in the shrine with their front side to the entrance, through which they receive sacrificial offerings of millet and similar products. Hence their backs normally show only minor traces of sacrificial offerings.
An item in perfect condition and without damage.
First half of the 20th century; H: 27 cm. (ME)

Provenance: German Private Collection.