Lobi, Burkina Faso: a rare, large, double figure, male and female, called ‘Dayir’. Style: Lobi-Birifor.
Lobi, Burkina Faso: a rare, large, double figure, male and female, called ‘Dayir’. Style: Lobi-Birifor.
This rare representation of a large double figure is not one of the frequently existing, smaller ‘Bateba figures’ of the Lobi, which serve as residences for invisible spirits (‘Thila’).
Such double figures, man and woman, standing back to back, are actually ancestor figures and represent the ‘ancestor’ couple of a clan (in the matrilineal line). They are called ‘Dayir figures’. The worship of and sacrifices to these rare ‘Dayir sculptures’ in the house shrines of the Lobi are intended to strengthen the cohesion of the clan. The present ancestor figure of a clan’s progenitor couple of the Lobi is carved in the style of the Lobi-Birifor, from hard, heavy wood. Both sculptures display cracks due to age, as well as old breakages (on the head of the woman and to the feet).
Overall a rare form of representation in the rich sculpture of the Lobi, with noticeable traces of earlier sacrificial offerings and with good, old patina.
Height: 84 cm; width: 38 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
German private collection.
Lit.:
‘Lobi’ by Daniela Bognolo, ill. 35.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
20.02.2017 - 14:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 2,600.-
Lobi, Burkina Faso: a rare, large, double figure, male and female, called ‘Dayir’. Style: Lobi-Birifor.
This rare representation of a large double figure is not one of the frequently existing, smaller ‘Bateba figures’ of the Lobi, which serve as residences for invisible spirits (‘Thila’).
Such double figures, man and woman, standing back to back, are actually ancestor figures and represent the ‘ancestor’ couple of a clan (in the matrilineal line). They are called ‘Dayir figures’. The worship of and sacrifices to these rare ‘Dayir sculptures’ in the house shrines of the Lobi are intended to strengthen the cohesion of the clan. The present ancestor figure of a clan’s progenitor couple of the Lobi is carved in the style of the Lobi-Birifor, from hard, heavy wood. Both sculptures display cracks due to age, as well as old breakages (on the head of the woman and to the feet).
Overall a rare form of representation in the rich sculpture of the Lobi, with noticeable traces of earlier sacrificial offerings and with good, old patina.
Height: 84 cm; width: 38 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
German private collection.
Lit.:
‘Lobi’ by Daniela Bognolo, ill. 35.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 20.02.2017 - 14:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 11.02. - 20.02.2017 |