Lot 123
Lobi Bateba Female Figure, Burkina Faso
Estimate$700–$1,200
Offered in A Lifetime of Discovery III · Sunday, November 1, 2026, To be announced
A carved wood female figure attributed to the Lobi peoples of Burkina Faso and neighboring regions. The figure is modeled with an elongated oval head, narrow eyes, a long straight nose, small mouth, rounded shoulders and pendant arms, above a compact torso with strong legs and broad feet.
A vertical series of incised scarification marks extends down the front of the torso. The dark surface shows reddish-brown areas of wear and handling, together with old drying cracks and surface losses consistent with age. The overall form and restrained treatment are characteristic of Lobi bateba figures associated with domestic and shrine contexts.
- Size
- 20 1/2 in. high.
- Provenance
- Property from an important private collection, assembled by a dealer and collector over more than six decades.
- Condition
- Age-related wear, surface abrasions, old cracks and scattered small losses. Pronounced drying crack to the head with additional cracking through the torso and lower body. Wear to the feet and extremities. Please refer to photographs.
Estimates are opinions of value, given as a guide.