Copulating couple
20th century
Lobi figures demonstrate what can happen when carving is a household obligation. Anyone could carve a sculpture for thila, supernatural spirits endowed with special powers. This statue showing a couple copulating is probably expected to help a single man in his quest for a wife. No Lobi house was without a small shrine room where such statues waited to provide counseling. They would expect offerings of food in return, and the residue of this has eaten away the surfaces and feet of certain figures.
Wood
Height: 17 1/2 in. (44.5 cm)
Gift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb
2012.29.10
Photo: Elizabeth Mann