A Moba bone figurine couple

A Moba bone figurine couple, carved of bone, also called Tschitscheri, Northern Togo, one of the sculptures has a nearly invisible repair, certificate of origin and provenance.

There are three types of Tschitcheri: Yendu, the smallest, Bawoong, the medium sized and Skawa, the largest of this type. Carving these figures is considered difficult and is only done by a master carver.
Lit.: Erwin Melchardt: Moba, Togo: an ancestral and protective figure, ‘tchitcheri’. Schädler: Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture.

1. Materials: The term "tschitscheri" refers specifically to sculptures carved from bone, often taken from domestic animals such as cattle, goats, or antelopes The use of bone adds a natural, tactile element to the sculptures, which were often highly polished or stained to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
2. Design and Aesthetics: Stylized Forms: The tschitscheri sculptures typically represent human or animal figures. The Moba artists carved these figures with elegant, sometimes abstract shapes that emphasizes important features, such as elongated limbs or finely detailed faces. Symbols and Motifs: The sculptures are often symbolic, incorporating elements that represent ancestral spirits, power, or social status. Some sculptures also depict figures engaged in specific rituals or ceremonies, emphasizing their connection to religious practices or the spiritual world.
3. Symbolism: Spiritual Significance: The Moba believe that such sculptures can serve as conduits between the human world and the spiritual world. Figures like these might be used in divination practices, where the sculpture acts as a medium through which the spirit world communicates with the living. Connection to Ancestors: Bone sculptures, especially those in the form of human figures, often honor ancestors or represent the presence of spiritual guides. This belief in ancestor worship is common among many African cultures. Ritual Use: The tschitscheri sculptures could be used in sacred ceremonies such as initiation rites, funerary practices, or as offerings to spirits. Their significance is both cultural and religious, marking important events or transitions in the community.
4. Craftsmanship: The Moba are skilled artisans who apply high levels of craftsmanship to create detailed and meaningful pieces. The bone carving process is intricate and requires a deep understanding of the material’s properties, as well as an aesthetic sense to achieve fluid, balanced shapes.
5. Cultural Context: These bone sculptures often play a role in community rituals, particularly in relation to healing and spiritual protection. The Moba people also believe in the power of physical representations of spirits, and creating sculptures out of bone is considered an act of connecting to the essence of life, death, and the beyond. Social Status: Wealthier individuals might commission more elaborate tschitscheri sculptures, and they may serve as status symbols within the community, representing the person’s influence or connection to spiritual power.
6. Use in Art and Ritual: Tschitscheri sculptures are used in ritual performances and religious ceremonies. They may be placed on altars, in homes, or in sacred spaces to invite ancestral blessings, offer protection, or engage in divination. The detailed nature of these carvings often reflects not just an artist’s skill but also the cultural values, spiritual beliefs, and historical continuity of the Moba people.

Height: 21 cm / 21 cm
Weight: 200 g / 200 g