Biteki Fetish Figure - Teke People, Kwango River Region, D.R.Congo - CGM21

Teke art has produced some great masterpieces and have three characteristic elements: a variety of headdresses, fine parallel scarifications on the cheeks and the addition of fetish materials either in an abdominal cavity or in a body-enveloping sack from which the head and feet protrude.

These fetishes are called muti and are filled with magic substances & ingredients for protection or to cure ailments.

The abdomen on this one has almost completely worn away, together with the fetish ingredients.

Ex. Dr. Michael Berger Collection, Ex. Leonard Kahan Gallery, New York and Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection

Published in "Values in African Art and Culture" book, by Charles Bordogna.

Height: 16”
Height including base: 17 ¾"
Width: 3 ⅛”
Depth: 3 ¼”