Yaka Miniature Figure with Child 10 Inch Congo

The Yaka, numbering around 300,000 and located along the Kwango River in the southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo, are recognized for their highly developed artistic sense. Their art, including initiation masks and diviner's fetishes, is characterized by upturned noses, adding beauty and drama to mundane objects. While their creations are often abstract, they occasionally carve large statues, such as ancestor figures for family shrines. Yaka artworks are well-documented in scholarly texts and adorn museums and private collections globally. One particular form of Yaka sculpture is the biteki, a figurative sculpture believed to possess special properties when activated by a diviner. These sculptures, including the one described, may contain hidden materials within body cavities, and Yaka scholar Arthur Bourgeois suggests that the carving of a biteki might represent the physical ailments of a patient seeking ritualistic powers. This specific piece, showcasing a rounded torso, stabilizing feet, and flexed legs, conveys a sense of tension. The facial features, with a slightly upturned nose and downcast eyes, give the figure a solemn and introspective expression, suggesting preparation for a spiritual journey with contemplation.

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Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Yaka
Country of Origin: Democratic Republic of Congo

Material: wood

Damage/Repair: Repaired foot on child, split through backside
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes, and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.