Rare protective pendant statuette - Bone - Pumbiira - Lobi / Birifor - Burkina Faso - 16 cm

These small figurines are worn horizontally around the necks of children, to protect them against the “ghost” children. According to the Lobi, in case of miscarriage or at the death of a young child, the next child is threatened by the spirits of the deceased who could take him with them. These figurines named Pumbiira are either masculine or feminine. They are removed from a child’s neck when he becomes old enough to participate to his first initiation, around twelve years old. Wonderful patina of wear. Family collection (France) .