Lot A119 - Yaka Power Figure (M’bwoolo)

Yaka Power Figure (M’bwoolo)

Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Height: 15 cm

Carved wooden power figure of the Yaka people, standing with short legs and a compact body. The stylized head features a pronounced nose and geometric facial structure beneath a crest-like headdress. The torso and arms are wrapped with aged textile bundles, bindings, and inserted wooden elements forming concentrated ritual packages. The surface shows a worn patina from age and handling.

Figures of this type, known as M’bwoolo, served as protective power objects. The bundles attached to the figure contained ritual substances prepared by specialists and were believed to hold spiritual force used for protection, healing, and defense against harmful influences.