African Art


ITEM NAME:
Teke Power Figure
ITEM #:
5548
ETHNICITY:
Teke
ORIGIN:
Democratic Republic of Congo
MEDIUM:
Wood.
DIMENSIONS:
15" (38.1 cm) Tall.
CONDITION:
Good.


African Art


PROVENANCE:
Private Estate Collection - California, USA.


African Art


CATALOGUE NOTE:

Teke artistic activities primarily involve the carving of figures that are infused with magical substances called Bonga. These powerful figures, also known as "fetishes" in the West, have different purposes and are owned by different individuals. For example, Matomba figures are used to prevent and cure illnesses, while nkira ntswo figures represent ancestors and are used in rituals to appease nature spirits. The Teke Power figures are not considered complete or powerful until magical substances are applied to their stomach cavity or placed in a ball around them. To activate the Teke power figure, the local ritual specialist, called ngaa, performs a ceremony and offers them offerings that contribute to their power over time. Additionally, certain subgroups within the Teke, such as the Mfinu and the Yanzi, also use facial scarification known as mabina and have similar sculptural styles.