The Lobi people are animists, practice ancestor worship and carve male and female figures called bateba. Each figure serves a different function, from being used in divination rituals to protecting homes from harmful energies. Unlike most other African cultures, the Lobi do not have designated carvers within their society, so a bateba can be created by anyone, given they are instructed to do so by the spirits. With so many different carvers of bateba the styles and character can range widely, but a bateba will always depict a human form, and almost always they will have certain characteristics that designate their purpose. For example, a bateba with arms to the side and head facing forward is usually a “normal bateba” with no specific intent but rather has a generalized purpose of good fortune for the owner, whereas a joined male and female form bateba is made specifically to be used by a male suitor to help him find a suitable bride. A bateba with two heads, or two faces, is thought to have the ability to see in all directions and able to protect the owner from potential harm from witchcraft. A sitting bateba with legs stretched out in front of them is meant to help protect the young and the elderly from paralysis. A bateba with a mourning expression or a hand touching the face used to mourn for their owners or to depict the sorrow. A bateba with one or both arms outstretched is placed near the entrance of a home to help keep disease and harmful witchcraft from entering the home.
