H x W x D: 4.4 x 8.9 x 8.9 cm (1 3/4 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.)
Type:
Sculpture
Geography:
Burkina Faso
Date:
Early to mid-20th century
Label Text:
Diviners among several peoples in Burkina Faso--especially the Bwa and the Lobi--use small cast copper alloy or brass figures in male-female pairs attached to iron rings. The purpose of the spirit couples is to aid the diviner in his--or occasionally her--spirit quests on behalf of the clients. The circlets are displayed on the ground next to larger figures or pots during client sessions. They may also be kept on altars, or in some cases, worn by men and women to provide protection from the spirits they embody. In this instance the patina of the figures is much brighter--possibly as it is here.
While some examples in the museum's collection are identified as Bwa, the serpent on this piece has led to a Lobi identification. The two figures--equal in size and importance--recall Lobi wooden sculptural pairs or bataba, also in communication with the spirit world.
Description:
Iron C- form bracelet with a copper alloy snake and two seated human figures.
Provenance:
Benjamin Weiss, New York, -- to 1980
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
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