A Moba Tschitscheri couple, sculpted in bone, Northern Togo, these two elongated figures stand on a small black base, the lower part splits into two legs, the upper part splits into two arms, the hips and the shoulders are the same proportion, on top a little round head, made out of one piece, the simple abstract form gives place to a beautiful human figure. Certificate of 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. “The Moba create abstract human figure statues, ranging in sides, fro a variety of purposes. Small figures are for personal protection and are often placed on altars. These can be made from wood of iron. Medium figures, made from wood represent important family ancestors. These figures are placed on the house altar and given sacrificial offerings. Large figures, that are almost life sized, represent an important clan founder. These figures are placed outdoors and should protect the entire village.” Source: Discover African Art Height: 20 cm / 23 cm Weight: 220 g / 270 g