Fetish - mbuti - Teke - DR Congo

07
days
19
hours
43
minutes
21
seconds
Current bid
€ 800
Reserve price not met
Julien Gauthier
Expert
Selected by Julien Gauthier

A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.

Estimate  € 2,200 - € 2,500
14 other people are watching this object
FR
€800
FR
€1

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Description from the seller

Ancient Teke mbuti figure
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 26.5 cm
Maximum width: 5 cm
Height on base: 29 cm
Estimated period: late 19th century
Provenance: Patrick Peire (Bruges); André Vanhecke (The African Connection gallery); Scott Bergmans (Lommel); Bonhams auction house - Cornette de St- Cyr (Brussels) Lot No. 98

In the Teke country, fetishes occupy a prominent place. Their use, based on magic, rests on the notions of buti. Of anthropomorphic form, they are used to treat illnesses, ensure fertility, protect, or even aid hunting and fishing. The cavity allows the diviner, the nganga, to imbue the statue with ingredients and magical substances—formerly covered by a matrix of earth—so that it can guarantee its prerogatives.

This very fine Teke fetish, rarely so well preserved, will be sold with its Bonhams invoice.

Careful and insured delivery with tracking number

Ancient Teke mbuti figure
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Height: 26.5 cm
Maximum width: 5 cm
Height on base: 29 cm
Estimated period: late 19th century
Provenance: Patrick Peire (Bruges); André Vanhecke (The African Connection gallery); Scott Bergmans (Lommel); Bonhams auction house - Cornette de St- Cyr (Brussels) Lot No. 98

In the Teke country, fetishes occupy a prominent place. Their use, based on magic, rests on the notions of buti. Of anthropomorphic form, they are used to treat illnesses, ensure fertility, protect, or even aid hunting and fishing. The cavity allows the diviner, the nganga, to imbue the statue with ingredients and magical substances—formerly covered by a matrix of earth—so that it can guarantee its prerogatives.

This very fine Teke fetish, rarely so well preserved, will be sold with its Bonhams invoice.

Careful and insured delivery with tracking number

Details

Indigenous object name
mbuti
Ethnic group/ culture
Teke
Country of Origin
DR Congo
Period
Late 19th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Title of artwork
Fetish
Height
26.5 cm
Width
5 cm
Depth
5.5 cm
Provenance
Auction house
Authenticity
Original/official
BelgiumVerified
43
Objects sold
Private

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