Head
Lobi Artist, Burkina Faso

Details
Title
Head
Artist/Maker
Lobi Artist, Burkina Faso
Date
Late nineteenth–early twentieth century
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
16 5/8 × 5 1/2 × 6 inches
Credit
Fred and Rita Richman Collection
Accession #
2004.139
On View
Currently not on view
The deeply weathered surface of this elegant head, with its smooth, round forms and pure, simple lines, suggests it was once kept outdoors in the open air. Carved at the suggestion of a diviner or traditional healer as a remedy for sickness or misfortune, the sculpture represents a protective spirit. It probably once stood on a household or market altar.
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