Fon Fétiche Téké Tété - Fon Fétiche Téké Tété - Baréké (ou Batéké) - DR Congo (No reserve price)

Cultural Statue Buti - Teke - DRC Zaire
Height - 48cm
Width - 20cm
Diameter - 50cm
Height on plinth - 51cm

The Teke constitute a significant population of approximately 450,000 inhabitants spread across three states: Gabon, the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa).

The Téké statuettes.
There are three types.
the Tégé, who is an unconsecrated statuette
Le Butti, an ancestral figure responsible for a Bonga.
The Nkiba, an ancestral figure dressed but not burdened.
In 1883, the chiefs of the Téké villages designated the statuettes with names close to Bifouiti, Bitégui, or even Moukouya when they are consecrated (for example: Kitéki na matomba, referring to the fetish against evil spirits and bringing good luck).

Nkira or Buti?
The Téké figurines are involved in rites based on the concepts of Nkira (plural: bankira) and Buti.
The bankira are spirits of nature whose origins can be mythical, indeterminate, familial, or historical.
Le buti is a magical entity (concept) that is found among the Kongo and Yaka under the term Nkisi.

In simple terms, we can say that the Nkira define positive ritual actions, with the ancestors' will being to be benevolent towards their descendants, whereas the Buti would have a role and goals that are more ambiguous and selfish.
These two entities can be associated with various materials, statues, but also calabashes, boxes, sachets...

In the case of a statuette, its consecration involves the preparation of symbolic medicines.
Their application in the receptacles of the statuette will invite the spirits to reside there. Sometimes, the mass of ingredients is such that the body of the statue disappears, giving it an aspect of a 'spinning top'.
Once consecrated, the figurine becomes nkira or buti, i.e., a object of worship. It should be noted that the owners of these fetishes can detach the medical amalgam that is theirs and sell the body of the statue to other families.

The Bankira are mainly Ntswo, that is, representations of ancestors. Their nomenclature recalls the functions that these ancestors performed in their lifetime.
The Ntswo are quite varied: ntswo mpu (ancestor chief), ntswo mutsuli (ancestor blacksmith), etc.

The Buti charms are just as varied and diverse as the Bankira.
Their use relates to all areas of life: divination, protection, revenge, wealth...
The Téké distinguish three kinds nonetheless.

But Bwampaam who are involved in various therapies.
But I bump for the hunt.
But in protection or vengeance.
Statue brings luck and happiness.