Shrine Figure
Lobi, Burkina Faso
Late 19th-early 20th c.
Provenance: Acquired by Drs. Noble and Jean Endicott in 1993 from Merton Simpson, NYC.
This remarkable figure hails from the distinguished lineage of Lobi art, skillfully carved by none other than the renowned “Master of the Pointed Belly.” The nomenclature aptly captures the essence of this piece, with its pronounced and distinctively pointed abdominal region, a hallmark of the artist’s unique style within the expansive realm of Lobi art. Known for a penchant for geometric shapes and stylized abstraction, the Master of the Pointed Belly showcases exceptional craftsmanship in every inch of this creation.
Among the Lobi, each male engages in the art of figure carving, resulting in a vast array of inventive and varied expressions. This particular artisan stands out for both the inventive quality of their work and its high demand among collectors. This specific piece boasts an extraordinary, deep, and encrusted patina—a testament to its antiquity. The passage of time has obscured the facial features, lending an enigmatic aura that speaks to the figure’s extensive history of use.
Shrine Figure
Lobi, Burkina Faso
Late 19th-early 20th c.
Provenance: Acquired by Drs. Noble and Jean Endicott in 1993 from Merton Simpson, NYC.
This remarkable figure hails from the distinguished lineage of Lobi art, skillfully carved by none other than the renowned “Master of the Pointed Belly.” The nomenclature aptly captures the essence of this piece, with its pronounced and distinctively pointed abdominal region, a hallmark of the artist’s unique style within the expansive realm of Lobi art. Known for a penchant for geometric shapes and stylized abstraction, the Master of the Pointed Belly showcases exceptional craftsmanship in every inch of this creation.
Among the Lobi, each male engages in the art of figure carving, resulting in a vast array of inventive and varied expressions. This particular artisan stands out for both the inventive quality of their work and its high demand among collectors. This specific piece boasts an extraordinary, deep, and encrusted patina—a testament to its antiquity. The passage of time has obscured the facial features, lending an enigmatic aura that speaks to the figure’s extensive history of use.