Power figure "biteki" · R. D. Congo, Teke · ID: 3035863
Eduard Hess, Oberwil, Switzerland
Description
wood, brown patina, charged with a heavy spherical package with magical contents, wrapped in fabric which is fixed by plant fibre cord, bearded head of characteristic form with hat-shaped coiffure (“mpani”), encrusted with clay, slightly dam., abrasion of paint (fabric), acrylic 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. Figures supposed to act magically are called “biteki”, while ancestor figures are called “buti”. Protective and magical figures “biteki” are used against sleeping sickness and other illnesses.
L’objet Power figure “biteki” avec l’ID d’objet 3035863 a fait partie de l’enchère 75th tribal art auction en 30 novembre 2013 pour la dernière fois le Zemanek-Münster Hôtel des ventes et avait le numéro de lot 144.
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