Ancestor figure - teke - Congo

Wood, fabric, rope, "Bilongo"

23 cm

Mounted on a pedestal

Provenance

.Galerie LOIZEAUX & ZAJEGA, Belgium
.Private collection, USA
.Collected by M.L. (1898-1975), missionary of the Svenska Missionsförbundet in the Congo from 1921 to 1963, notably at the Musana mission located in the Bembe/Teke territory
.Christie's

Literature

.BATEKE "The Fetishes", Alain LECOMTE, Raoul LEHUARD
.Statuaire from the STANLEY POOL, Raoul LEHUARD

AHDRC

oa-0148711-001

The butti of the Teke people is a fascinating work of art. Composed of an ancestral statuette, it represents a deep link with traditions and ancestral beliefs. Surrounded by bilongo, which are magical substances charged with spiritual meanings, this statuette is carefully protected and showcased.

When all the chosen elements, ground into paste, form a magma ready to be offered to the statuette, the Nganga places the sacred object in a reliquary that will put its power at the service of the client.

Excerpt from BATEKE "The Fetishes", Alain LECOMTE, Raoul LEHUARD.

The whole is delicately wrapped in a pretty ethnic fabric, whose colorful and symbolic motifs add an aesthetic dimension to this sacred object. This object, beyond its artistic value, serves as a living memory, celebrating the heritage and identity of the Teke people, while reminding of the importance of spirituality in their daily life. Its beauty and history make it an invaluable cultural treasure.

The mupani headdress, emblematic of traditional craftsmanship, stands out with its stylized crest that draws the eye. Its imposing silhouette emphasizes the ritual importance of the mouth, which appears prominent and expressive, adding a touch of character to the whole. The beard, mustache and hair merge harmoniously into a single mass, creating a striking visual impression.