Standing power figure "biteki" · D. R. Congo, Teke · ID: 3037645
Description
wood, dark brown patina, charged with a heavy package with magical contents, wrapped in fabric, bearded head of characteristic form with hat-shaped coiffure (“mpani”), min. dam., slight traces of abrasion, base;
these figures contain their magical power in a cylindrical package around their body, called “bilongo”, which holds the special ingredients designed according to the needs of the person in question. The Teke believe that magical wisdom can be swallowed and preserved in the stomach.
The object Standing power figure “biteki” with the object ID 3037645 was last part of the auction 78th tribal art auction at October 18, 2014 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 504.
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Comparing literature
Bateke, Peintres et sculpteurs d'Afrique Centrale, Paris 1998, p. 154