Pair of Bateba Figures
Lobi, Burkina Faso
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Jadwiga Urbanski, Toronto, Canada, acquired in the 1970’s.
Produced in Burkina Faso, Bateba figures are paired sculptures used as protective agents. These enigmatic figures are not purely representational, but rather act as a spirit who protects the family and home. These two examples are carved with an intense symmetry. Similar attributes include wide set eyes and protruding partially open lips, while the frontal stance of both sculptures suggests a serene yet powerful presence.
Height Figure I: 15 ½ in / 39.4 cm
Height Figure II: 14 ¾ in / 37.5 cm
Pair of Bateba Figures
Lobi, Burkina Faso
Early 20th Century
Provenance: Jadwiga Urbanski, Toronto, Canada, acquired in the 1970’s.
Produced in Burkina Faso, Bateba figures are paired sculptures used as protective agents. These enigmatic figures are not purely representational, but rather act as a spirit who protects the family and home. These two examples are carved with an intense symmetry. Similar attributes include wide set eyes and protruding partially open lips, while the frontal stance of both sculptures suggests a serene yet powerful presence.
Height Figure I: 15 ½ in / 39.4 cm
Height Figure II: 14 ¾ in / 37.5 cm