Teke Standing Miniature Figure on Custom Base 11 Inch Congo
Width: 3.5
Depth: 3.5
Description
Teke's artistic activities are directed primarily to the carving of figures intended to have magical substances, known as Bonga, attached to them. Often called "fetishes" in the West these powerful figures have different titles according to their purpose and who owns them. For example, figures known as Matomba prevent and cure illnesses, and other figures identified as nkira ntswo, represent ancestors and were used during a ritual to propitiate nature spirits.
Figures are not considered complete or powerful until given energy through the application of the magical substances into the stomach cavity or placed as a ball around the figure. Teke figures are magically 'switched on' by the naga, the local ritual specialist after which they will be addressed and given offerings that through time add to the power that the figure contains. The facial scarification of vertical lines known as the marina is used by a number of the smaller subgroups such as the Mfinu or the Yanzi who share similar sculptural styles with the Teke.
Height (In)
11.0
Width (In)
3.5
Depth (In)
3.5
145446
Approximate Age: Early 20th Century
People: Teke
Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.