A fragmentary sculpture of Lunkena Pale

A fragmentary sculpture of Lunkena Pale.

A fragmentary Lobi sculpture attributed to Lunkena Pale is a notable example of West African art, originating from the Gaoua region in Burkina Faso. This piece is currently listed for €1,800 on the Wolfgang Jaenicke gallery website, though it is marked as out of stock .wolfgang-jaenicke+3wolfgang-jaenicke+3wolfgang-jaenicke+3

Lunkena Pale was a prominent Lobi sculptor active in the Gaoua area. He was trained by the renowned Lobi carver Sikire Kambire (1896–1963), who significantly influenced his style. Pale's work is characterized by its spiritual depth and symbolic abstraction, often reflecting the Lobi people's animist beliefs and their connection to the spiritual world .wolfgang-jaenicke+3Sothebys.com+3Sothebys.com

Lobi sculptures, including those by Pale, are typically carved from a single piece of wood and exhibit elongated limbs, stylized facial features, and a symmetrical, frontal posture. These figures, known as bateba, serve as intermediaries between the human and spiritual realms, often used in rituals to invoke or appease spirits .wolfgang-jaenicke

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The fragmentary sculpture in question was previously owned by Oumar Bado, a collector based in Gaoua, and has been featured in scholarly works such as Piet Meyer's Kunst und Religion der Lobi (1981) and Thomas Keller's Lobi Statuary (2015) . Its provenance and scholarly references underscore its authenticity and importance in the study of Lobi art.Sothebys.com+4wolfgang-jaenicke+4wolfgang-jaenicke+4

While this particular sculpture is no longer available, similar works by Lunkena Pale have been auctioned in the past. For instance, a seated figure carved by Pale was sold at Sotheby's, reflecting the continued appreciation and demand for Lobi art in the international market.

If you're interested in acquiring or learning more about Lobi sculptures, I can assist in finding current listings or providing further information on this rich artistic tradition.

Height: 85 cm
Weight: 5,6 kg