CONGO TEKE ANCESTOR FIGURE 

A hand-carved male ancestor figure from the Teke people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire.

This figure created by the Teke fetishist craftsmen, is typical of the usually male figure depicted with the hands placed on the prominent abdomen and a curved horn on top of the head.

This figure standing at 15 ½” tall would have been a personal power talisman, possibly commissioned by a tribal individual. 

He bears an original thick and crusty patina, the crudely applied original finish being clearly visible. The figure has the original plant fibre neck rope and belt which retains the remnants of a woven skirt or loin cloth. 

Date: Mid 20th Century

Condition: Good original condition commensurate with age. The rear of the loin cloth is perished. The figure has a split in the wood through the right ear. The feet soles have wear and a felt pad has been applied to keep the figure standing upright.

Dimensions:

Height: 39.5 cm (15 ½”)
Width: 10.5 cm (4 ⅛”) at hands
Depth: 11.5 cm (4 ½”) max at belly

Weight: 934 g (2.06 lb)

Stock number: AC1333