BATEBA

• Bateba, spirit figure
• Lobi, Burkina Faso, West Africa
• Wood
• Height: 56 cm
• First half 20th century

Bateba is considered as a living being and may see, communicate, and intervene on behalf of its thil spirit.

Sacrifices are made to ensure the goodwill of the ancestors, and to avoid Illness and misfortune in a shrine of the thil spirit.