Standing male ancestor figure ·  D. R. Congo, Bembe · ID: 3048490

Description

wood, rich shiny patina, white porcelain, rest., base

These small anthropomorphic miniature figures depict ancestors and are dedicated to them.

Small amounts of power substances (pieces of the individual’s corpse, medicines, magic substances “bilongo”) are placed in a cavity near the anus, in the back or the head. In this way, the figure receives the spirit of the ancestor and is thus transformed into a “nkiteki” (pl. “biteki”) ancestor figure.

The objects held by the figure, a fly-whisk, a horn or a weapon (in this case knife and calabash) point to the ancestors identity.

Comparing literature

Grootaers, Jan-Lodewijk & Ineke Eisenburger (ed.), Forms of Wonderment, Vol. II, Berg en Dal 2002, p. 516