LOBI MALE AND FEMALE COUPLE, BURKINA FASO

André Blandin, Amboise, by 1976
Jean-Louis Picard, Paris, Collection André Blandin, February 14, 1994, lot 10
Acquired by the present owner at the above auction

Rietberg Museum, Zurich, Kunst und Religion der Lobi in Westafrika, May 20 - November 13, 1981

André Blandin, African Art. A Selection from Two Private Collections, no location, 1976, p. 20
Piet Meyer, Kunst und Religion der Lobi in Westafrika, Zurich, 1981, p. 71, cat. 38

Overall very good condition for objects of this type and age. Male figure: chip to proper right ear. Hairline cracks to left arm above elbow, and to integrally-carved base between feet. Female figure: Proper right ear restored. Loss to integrally-carved base between feet as seen in photographs. Both with insect damage to undersides. Minor nicks and scratches, abrasions, dents and rubbing consistent with age and handling. Very fine dark brown patina beneath dried residue of ritually-applied clay.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

According to Keller (2011: 8 and 9), the Lobi "religious system comprises three entities: the supreme being (thangba), the spiritual powers (thila, singular thil) and the bush spirits (kontuorsi or konte). [...] To enable [the thila] to be worshipped and receive sacrifices, [they] require a material support, in most cases anthropomorphic figures, which are kept on indoor or outdoor shrines."

The offered male and female couple is distinguished by its highly cubistic style and their balanced reciprocity which is expressed in the postures (the raised shoulder of the female, the slight twist of the male) and facial expressions. The artist created a masterful image of an inseparable unit of two spirit figures, mirroring the ideal of intermarital harmony. For two other statues, not a couple, by the same artist cf. Meyer (1981: 71, cats. 36 an 37).