Lobi figure-The Lobi people, who livce in Burkina Faso and Ghana, revere spirits known as Thil, and build shrines to them, which are filled with figures like this one. These figures, known as Bateba, are believed to embody the Thil spirits. The Bateba are looked upon as living beings charged with special powers who move, fight against witches, and have intercourse with each other. The Lobi believe that the Bateba are superior to humans, but inferior to the Thili spirits, so the Bateba is first activated by putting it in a Thil shrine. The Bateba keep sorcerers away, and help the Thil ward off misfortune. They also play a role in the divination system. (See AFRICAN MASTERPIECES FROM MUNICH-The Stratlisches Museum fur Volkerkunde.)
Dolls of the World
I have just begun this page to share information about my own new international doll collection and to organize data about dolls of the world.
Contribute to my page, please. I set out to add a penpal from every country in the world several years ago, just as I am now aiming for a complete survey of dolls from every country. If you have a favorite memory of a souvenir doll please share and I will incorporate your comments under the appropriate country.
To me this is a way to travel the world without leaving home, though in fact it seems to be leading to plans for a trip around the world in my future.