Tomkins Collection

Figure with two heads, Thil Dokpa

TC 214
Provenance: Alexandra Martin-Blasselle Gallery, Nice, 2004
Dimensions: H. 58 cm
Ethnic Group:
Culture:

In Lobi cosmogony, Thil Dokpa are spirits of the bush, above human beings and below Thila, invisible spirit creatures with human properties and characteristics. Thil Dokpa “are considered as living beings, active from the moment they are set upon an altar… They are then able to see, to communicate between themselves, and to protect and help humans in many ways and in various practical domains of daily life…once installed on the altars, [they] become active auxiliaries of the invisible spirits, the Thila against witchcraft, evil spells and sickness and, on the other hand, to bring wealth, fertility, marriage, strength and happiness to whomever places them on his altar.”(Giovanni Franco Scanzi 1987:31, 34)

Publishing History: Giovanni Franco. Lobi Traditional Art. Scanzi Edtions. Milan 1987: page 31, 34.  
Exhibition History: Parcours des Mondes, Paris, September 2004
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