Male power figure
Description
wood, reddish brown and light brown patina, the facial features carved with a great deal of care, crest-shaped hairdo and beard, both signs of rank, rectangular deepening for insertion of magical material, cracks, minor missing parts through insect caused damage (belly, rim of the cavity, tip of the hat-like coiffure), socle;
the Teke make a distinction between the spirits of ancestors, which are present in “nkira” figures, and anonymous spirits, which inhabit “buti” figures. It is not normally possible to classify a figure on the basis of its appearance. The difference between “nkira” and “buti” depends both on the components used and on the context in which the figure is used. “Buti” figures were used for a wide range of purposes such as healing, protection against spells, ensuring good fortune in hunting or trading, the rapid acquisition of wealth or revenge.