A large male Lobi sculpture, Burkina Faso, standing on blockshaped feet, slightly bent forward, Kampti region, heavy, hard wood.

Lit: Daniela Bognolo: Lobi. Visions of Africa, 2007 Milan; Floros & Sigrid Katsouros/Stephan und Petra Herkenhoff: Anonyme Schnitzer der Lobi, Hannover 2006; Piet Meyer: Kunst und Religion der Lobi, Zürich 1981; Galerie Flak: Magie Lobi, Paris 2003; Floros Katsouros: Lobi - Figuren, chefs d'oeuvre und Kultobjekte, Hannover 2013; Kat. Ausst.: Lobi. Westafrikanische Skulpturen aus der Sammlung Greschik, anlässlich der Ausstellung „Die Entdeckung des Individuums“, 2016.

The Lobi people are an ethnic group primarily located in the western part of Burkina Faso, particularly in the Kampti region, which is situated in the southwest of the country near the border with Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. They are part of a larger group of people in the region who speak languages from the Gur language family.

The Lobi are known for their rich cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and unique spiritual practices. They are primarily farmers, cultivating crops such as millet, sorghum, and maize, and also engage in cattle herding. Their social organization is often based around extended families, with strong ties to their ancestral lands and a system of leadership that typically involves elders and traditional chiefs.

In terms of culture, the Lobi people are known for their intricate wood carvings, which are often used in religious and ceremonial contexts. These carvings can depict ancestral spirits, animals, and other symbols that play a role in the spiritual life of the Lobi. Their traditional religion involves a belief in a supreme god, as well as numerous lesser deities and spirits that influence daily life and natural events.

The Kampti region is notable for its beautiful landscapes, which include forests, rivers, and rolling hills, making it an important area for both cultural and agricultural activities within Burkina Faso. It also has some historical significance as part of the larger region that once served as a crossroads for various West African empires and trade routes.

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Height: 128 cm
Weight: 8,9 kg