Moba Ancestor Figure

An ancestor figure carved from wood by a Moba artist.

20th century. 

29 x 4 x 4 cm

The Moba who live in northeastern Ghana and northwestern Togo are an African society that lives in patrilineal clans, in which individuals are grouped based on a common ancestor traced through the male line. The Moba have a significant focus on family ancestors, especially their original family ancestor and create figures to become closer with these ancestors. As a result, the Moba wooden figures are a major focus in Moba ritual life. (Kreamer, 1987, 52)

Moba woodcarvers (tikpierroa) create wood figures called tchitcheri to represent their ancestors and to place as a shrine offering. In general, carvers usually are males and any male within the society can become one. They use a tool called an adze, which is a tool usually only reserved for carving. However, Woodcarvers who carve tchitcheri must be the sons of diviners. Although, being a diviner’s son is important when creating tchitcheri, it is possible for non-diviners sons to carve them through the use of protective medicine, however this is considered dangerous. (Kreamer, 1987, 53)