A cast bronze/brass figure attributed to the Lobi peoples of Burkina Faso, produced using the traditional lost-wax (cire perdue) method. The figure is shown in a seated pose with legs dangling forward and one arm bent behind the body, a rounded abdomen, and defined breasts, wearing a beaded necklace with a pendant at the throat. The face is animated and expressive, with an open mouth revealing teeth, prominent ears, and deep-set eyes. The figure stands approximately 36 cm tall, with a dark aged patina showing lighter bronze tones where the surface has worn from handling.
Among the Lobi, cast brass and bronze figures were traditionally used as personal protective objects, kept on household shrines and believed to house guardian spirits (thila) that ward off misfortune and illness. The dynamic seated pose and expressive facial features on this piece suggest it may represent a particular spirit or shrine function, distinct from the more common standing Lobi bateba form.
Details:
- Attribution: Lobi peoples, Burkina Faso
- Material: Cast bronze/brass alloy (lost-wax/cire perdue technique)
- Height: approx. 36 cm
- Condition: Aged patina with visible wear consistent with age and handling (see photos)
- Pose: Seated figure with dangling legs, expressive open-mouth face