Teke Buti power figure
Art and Power in Teke Sculpture
This African Teke Buti statue was carved from hardwood. She is presented standing, standing on bent legs in a very cubist form, with no indication of primary sexual organs. Presence of a large cavity in the abdomen which was intended to contain a magic charge of bonga protection.
A piece of fabric is still present, it was used to retain the magic charge.
Note the difference in color on the trunk, which testifies to the age and use of the piece.
In Bateke tradition and art, magic charges were specifically intended to protect against disease, bad luck, to promote hunting, trade, etc...
The charge contains the strength of the fetish bestowed on it by the ancestors.
His massive neck is surmounted by a head with a rectangular beard affixed under an almond-shaped mouth.
This piece has an impressive pedigree since acquired in the 1940s, it remained in a Belgian family before passing through the hands of several Brussels merchants, including P. Laeremans and J. Humblet.
The stand is included.
01910
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Mid XXth century
- Size
- 36 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood, accessories
- Country
- Origin
- African art gallery
- Stand
- Included
- Condition
- Excellent
You might also like
Art and Power in Teke Sculpture
This African Teke Buti statue was carved from hardwood. She is presented standing, standing on bent legs in a very cubist form, with no indication of primary sexual organs. Presence of a large cavity in the abdomen which was intended to contain a magic charge of bonga protection.
A piece of fabric is still present, it was used to retain the magic charge.
Note the difference in color on the trunk, which testifies to the age and use of the piece.
In Bateke tradition and art, magic charges were specifically intended to protect against disease, bad luck, to promote hunting, trade, etc...
The charge contains the strength of the fetish bestowed on it by the ancestors.
His massive neck is surmounted by a head with a rectangular beard affixed under an almond-shaped mouth.
This piece has an impressive pedigree since acquired in the 1940s, it remained in a Belgian family before passing through the hands of several Brussels merchants, including P. Laeremans and J. Humblet.
The stand is included.