A large, old Lobi female figure from the people of Burkina Faso.  Lobi figures, upon the advise of diviners, were placed on family altars in the thilda, a small sacristy or room in their dwelling. Each figure was an actual spirit or tibil thil which protected the family and home from illness and other misfortunes. The features such as the size, pose, coiffure and sex of the figure were determined by the diviner. The accumulation of statues on a family altar gave social status and were passed on from father to son.  This old Lobi figure measures 33 1/2" in height.