It is a unique feature of Lobi family structure that each household or cuor is subordinate to a thil; an invisible, tutelary spirit who transmits his demands through the intermediary of diviners and sorcerers. It is the thil who dictates taboos and requires the creation of a new wooden figure for the village or household shrine. Failure to do so might result in a disaster, such as an epidemic or drought. The Lobi believe that one person's failure effects the whole community. Seen in this light, a Lobi amulet was considered a powerful charm against evil spirits, and worn devoutly as a very real form of protection.
This lovely amulet is designed in a crescent shape with a ring for lacing a chord through. The interior pattern shows a snake, quite realistically done. The snake has long been considered a creature which has magical properties and is believed to be able to communicate with the dead. Along the upper rim is a design resembling the coils of a snake. Opposite the serpent is a finely carved S-shape with curled ends, thus completing the effect of twists and spirals. This design cleverly gives the entire amulet a feeling energy and movement. The overall harmony and balance, accentuated by the delicate curves of the tips, is very feminine and must have been worn with pride.