Antique Lobi Bronze Folk Art Medicine Box With Zoomorphic Lid

Details

Description

Title: Medicine Box with Zoomorphic Lid
Period: Late 19th–mid 20th century
Origin: Burkina Faso
Material: Bronze, lost-wax cast
Dimensions: 7.75" … Read more Title: Medicine Box with Zoomorphic Lid
Period: Late 19th–mid 20th century
Origin: Burkina Faso
Material: Bronze, lost-wax cast
Dimensions: 7.75" H x 5.75" D
Condition: Good; wear and patina consistent with age, areas of verdegris on the exterior
Provenance: Private collection

Description:

An antique bronze medicine box attributed to the Lobi peoples of Burkina Faso, crafted using the lost-wax casting technique. The lid features a zoomorphic form, a recurring motif in Lobi bronze work, where animals are used for their protective powers and considered powerful amulets. Each lost-wax cast object is unique, as the clay mold is destroyed after each casting.

Vessels of this type were traditionally used to store medicines, ointments, and ritual preparations. Among the Lobi, such containers are most often placed in family shrines to hold medicines that protect against misfortune, illness, and witchcraft. The name Lobi derives from the Lobiri words lou (forest) and bi(children), meaning "Children of the forest."

The surface exhibits a natural bronze patina with wear consistent with age and use, including areas of verdegris on the exterior. See less