Male power figure "buti" ·  D. R. Congo, Teke · ID: 3049475

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Description

wood, base

“Buti” figures are named after and identified as specific male ancestors and located in a shrine to one’s deceased family members.

They are designed to help with a variety of problems.

The addition of “bonga” (magical charge) transforms the inanimate sculptural shell of the figure (figures devoid of “bonga” are called “tege”) into an ancestor.

To desacralise an ancestral figure, the mystical substances located within must be removed. Upon the death of a figure’s owner, “buti” are buried along with his body and other belongings.

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Publications

Expo cat.: "Afrikanische Kunst, Sammlung Robert Lewitzki", Bomann-Museum (Hg.), Celle 2012, p. 24 (left)

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Exhibition

Celler Schloß, Gotische Halle: "Afrikanische Kunst, Sammlung Robert Lewitzki", 10. Juli - 31 August 2012

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