A125 - Teke Power Figure (Buti / Biteki)

Teke Power Figure (Buti / Biteki)

Origin: Teke people, Republic of the Congo / Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 60 cm (including wooden base)

A striking Teke ritual power figure carved from wood, featuring a finely sculpted head with characteristic vertical facial scarification, an elaborate coiffure and an open mouth.

The figure has a prominent, rounded ritual power bundle wrapped in reddish-brown textile and secured with tightly wound fibre bindings. A cowrie shell decorates the front, while raffia fibres, feathers and remnants of red fabric complete the composition.

Such figures, known as Buti or Biteki, were traditionally associated with spiritual protection, healing and communication with ancestral forces. The materials attached to the body were believed to activate and concentrate the figure's spiritual power.

The figure retains its distinctive ritual attachments and displays a dark patina with traces of lighter pigmentation.

20th century (attributed).

Provenance: Privately owned since the 1970s–1990s.