Lobi couple statue, Burkina Faso, c. 1980

The fact that the figure is shown in a sexual act should not be considered a pornographic or salacious portrayal, but a reflection of life and the necessary help of the Thila spirits to ensure procreation. These spirits are represented by male and female sculptures that are grouped around family or personal shrines in various figures and are paired with men and women. Offerings and prayers are made to them while Thila communicate through diviners and sorcerers to their owners. Height: 57 cm Reproduced: Catalogue “Africa Babel: the Art of a Continent”, p. 128
Exhibitions:
2022-2024 Island of Fuerteventura “Art Africa: Ancestral Light”. Lighthouse of the Entallada. Cabildo of Fuerteventura.
2021-2022 Panama City. Government of Panama. “Art Africa: the spirit of the ancestors”. Ministry of Culture Headquarters. Casco Viejo.
2019-2020 Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Caja Canarias Foundation. “Africa-Babel: the art of a Continent”. Headquarters Plaza Patriotismo.
2013-2015 Museum of Art of Africa and Oceania (Madao). La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia.
2005 “Black Africa”, Leather Museum.
2004 “Black Africa”. Caixa Laietana Foundation, Barcelona. Main exhibition hall