A bowed Moba Tchitcheri sculpture, border-destrict Ghana/Togo, mounted on a rectangular platform; signs of ritual use. Certificate of origin and provenance.

“The Moba who live in northeastern Ghana and northwestern Togo are an African society that lives in patrilineal clans, in which individuals are grouped based on a common ancestor traced through the male line. The Moba have a significant focus on family ancestors, especially their original family ancestor and create figures to become closer with these ancestors. As a result, the Moba wooden figures are a major focus in Moba ritual life. (Kreamer, 1987, 52).

Moba woodcarvers (tikpierroa) create wood figures called tchitcheri to represent their ancestors and to place as a shrine offering. In general, carvers usually are males and any male within the society can become one. They use a tool called an adze, which is a tool usually only reserved for carving. However, Woodcarvers who carve tchitcheri must be the sons of diviners. Although, being a diviner’s son is important when creating tchitcheri, it is possible for non-diviners sons to carve them through the use of protective medicine, however this is considered dangerous.  (Kreamer, 1987, 53).” Source: Pacific Lutheran University.

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Height: 31 cm
Weight: 0,7 kg