Double Male And Female Figure – Lobi – Burkina Faso – Early 20th Century – Primitive / Tribal Art

Figure showing two figures, male and female, placed back to back, forming a single entity. Their angularly proportioned faces display a dynamic expression, accentuated by the open mouth and the eyes sculpted in relief. The bodies are set on slightly bent legs, resting on stylized feet, extremely refined, but robust. Wood, old brown patina of use. Lobi, Burkina Faso, early 20th century Dimensions: 14 x 4 cm – With base: 16.7 cm Provenance: former collection in the north of France Sold with certificate of authenticity from the expert Serge Reynes, guarantee of origin and period. * Shipping costs on request. "Among the Lobi, bateba statuettes are ritual figures created by fetish priests under the inspiration of the thila spirits. This double figure, rare in Lobi statuary, embodies the complementarity of the masculine and feminine principles. It symbolizes the harmony, stability, and cooperation necessary for the protection of the home and the balance of the invisible world. Used in a context of marital or family blessing, it could also act as a talisman of fertility or cohesion within the couple. The fusion of the two beings into a single entity reflects a profound vision of the creative and protective duality at the base of Lobi society."