This magical statue comes to us from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the  Bateke people (Teke) sometimes called M’Teke and Bakono. These magical statues are usually made by the Fumu and Sisi tribes of the Bateke people. The helmet-like hairdo is typical. The Mabima or scarification marks are also typical as is the beard.

The abdominal cavity is used to hold a magical substance called Bonka. These statues with Bonka are called Butti and are used to insure success in hunting or trading, to guard against disease or for personal protection.

 

The statues are kept as the personal property of the individual and are placed in the hut next to the fire.  When the owner dies the statues are buried with him.

 

Dimensions:  16 inches high. Wood with white and red natural pigments. The imperfection in the statue are a knothole in the headdress and multiple old repairs. however, these do not detract from the overall appearance.