Lot A18 - Buti (Nkiba) Ancestor Figure

Buti (Nkiba) Ancestor Figure

Teke (Bateke) people, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Wood, organic materials
Height: 38 cm

Ancestor figure (Buti, also associated with Nkiba society) attributed to the Teke people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The sculpture features a finely carved head with elongated facial structure, crested coiffure, and linear scarification marks typical of Teke artistic vocabulary.

The characteristic rounded abdominal form, wrapped in aged organic material and secured with fiber binding, is emblematic of Teke ritual statuary. Such enclosures traditionally contained empowering substances linked to protection, oath-taking, or ancestral mediation.

The figure stands with slightly flexed legs, creating a compact and grounded presence. The surface shows consistent age patina, wear, and oxidation corresponding to handling and ritual context.

Mounted on a custom display base. A strong and well-preserved example of Teke ritual sculpture.