Male power figure "biteki" ·  R. D. Congo, Teke · ID: 3032710

Description

wood, shiny brown patina, a voluminous package of clay-like magical mass enclosing the body, the bearded head with fine striated scarification marks, min. dam., minor missing parts, slight traces of abrasion, on wooden base;
such power figures served as patron for hunting and should protect against diseases and evil spirits. Their magical power was kept in a cylindrical package, called “bilongo”, which includes the special ingredients put together according to the needs of the person in question. The package was fixed at the abdomen because to the Teke, magical wisdom can be swallowed and preserved in the stomach.