Figure fétiche debout "biteki"

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Description

wood, brown patina, remains of pigments, the upper part of the body entirely wrapped in voluminous spherical package of clay-like mass, bearded head with tribe-typical parallel incisions, min. dam., insect caused missing parts (headgear), cracks, 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.

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Publications

Bomann-Museum (Hg.), Afrikanische Kunst, Sammlung Robert Lewitzki, Celle 2012, p. 24

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