Lobi Bateba (Thil) Shrine Figure Miniature 10 Inch Ghana

The Thil spirits are highly revered, and under the guidance of a sorcerer, shrines are constructed in their honor. These shrines, filled with various objects like vessels, abstract iron figures, and stone and wood figures called Bateba, are placed either on the roof or inside homes, symbolizing the embodiment of the Thil spirits.

Lobi African art encapsulates the artistic traditions of the Lobi people across Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire, renowned for intricate woodcarvings and sculptures portraying human and animal forms. Rooted in a belief system where ancestors and spirits reside in the natural world, their art serves ritual, ceremonial, and daily life purposes, often placing protective spirit statues near dwellings for safeguarding. Characterized by elongated, stylized forms symbolizing the interconnectedness of life facets—spiritual, physical, human, and animal—the art holds unique stylistic features. The prevalent bateba wooden figures, representing ancestors or protective spirits, boast intricate carvings and are imbued with spiritual powers for communal protection. Beyond woodcraft, Lobi art spans masks, textiles, and metalwork, with masks featuring elaborate designs symbolizing the spirits or deities they represent, used in ritual performances. Revered globally for its beauty and cultural significance, Lobi artists blend tradition with contemporary elements, preserving a rich heritage that underscores the cultural vitality and importance of honoring Lobi traditions.

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