Lot A115 - Teke Power Figure (Buti / Biteki)

Teke Power Figure (Buti / Biteki)

Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Height: 18 cm

Carved wooden power figure of the Teke people, standing on short legs with a large spherical torso wrapped in layers of aged textile and ritual material. The head displays typical Teke features with stylized facial scarifications and a pronounced mouth. The body contains a cavity and encrusted mass of ritual substances (bilongo), which were applied or inserted to activate the spiritual force of the figure.

Figures of this type, often referred to as Buti or Biteki, were used as protective and ritual objects. The power substances attached to the body were believed to hold spiritual energy and were prepared by ritual specialists to assist the owner with protection, healing, or personal well-being.