Power figure / Fetish altar - Biteki - Yaka - DR Congo

Very Rare Yaka “Biteki” Power Figure – Altar Ensemble in Basket with Stone Knife, Padlock & Cowrie Shells – D.R. Congo

Description

A remarkably expressive and highly complex ritual altar ensemble from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is presented here. It is a finely carved power figure, known as Biteki, attributed to the Yaka people. These figures were used for personal protection and ritual purposes and were traditionally prepared with spiritual substances.

Special Features & Details

Head & Iconography: The artistically carved wooden head impresses with carefully worked facial features and sports a distinctive crescent-shaped cap. A dense wreath of feathers adorns the neck area.
Body & Charge: The body is fully and solidly wrapped in textiles or leather. Beneath lies the traditional ritual charge that gives the figure its spiritual meaning.
Basket & Ritual Objects: The figure sits in a woven basket, the sides of which are adorned with animal skin. Inside there is a firm, crusted layer of ritual substances and earth.
Accompaniments: On the side of the basket is mounted an archaic-looking stone knife. Additionally, an old, oxidized padlock lies loose in the basket.
Base: On the underside of the basket are cowrie shells as well as a plumply filled cloth sack.

Object Data

Object: Power Figure / Fetish Altar (Biteki / Nkisi)
Region/Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ethnic Group/People: Yaka
Material: wood, leather/fabric, stone, iron (lock), feathers, cowrie shells, earth/soil
Condition: Good condition with age-related patina and signs of use (see photos)

Condition & Age

This is a rare, older piece with developed patina, ritual crusts, and age- and use-related traces. The surface and materiality convey a pronounced historical and ethnographic character.

Dimensions

Height: 28 cm
Width: 20 cm
Depth: 20 cm

Shipping

Shipping is professionally packaged, fully insured, and trackable via DHL.