Ancestor Figure – Wood – Dagari- Burkina Faso – Schädler certificate

Authentic Dagari figure from Burkina Faso.

‘Dagaaba’, Dagari people, Burkina Faso. This group is related to the Lobi and have these phallic anthropomorphic initiation figures in their shrines.

Mostly with a thick encrusted sacrificial material.

The Dagari figures themselves represent the most abstract ideals of Lobi Figural carving. They are mostly frontal in presentation and aspect, enigmatic and brooding. These figures are placed on family altars in the Thilda. This is a small sacristy or chamber built in each family dwelling. Each figure is not a representation of but considered an actual spirit or Tibil Thil. Designed to protect family and home from illness, and misfortune the spirit could also be used for divination of future events. The spirit could and did demand offerings of blood & meal and also could request the placement of additional figures. An accumulation of figures within family sanctuaries increased social status considerably. Upon the death of a father the figures would be inherited by the son and became a valuable asset showing the linage and power of a family group.

Provenance: Manfred Schäfer collection, ex- gallery owner from Ulm, Germany.With certificate of Authenticity signed by professor Karl-Ferdinand Schädler.

Including custom made stand.