Anthropomorphic Statuette - Téké Culture, Republic Of Congo - First Half Of The 20th Century

Anthropomorphic Statuette called Buti
Téké culture, Republic of Congo
First half of the 20th century
Wood 
H. 27 cm, length 5.5 cm
(old damage to the left foot)

Monoxyle statuette standing on short, angular legs, separated from each other. The long cylindrical bust is hollowed out by a cavity that once held a protective magical charge called a bilongo. 
The face, set on a broad neck, features two almond-shaped eyes and facial scarring known as "mabina", incised vertically on the temples, cheekbones and part of the forehead. His half-open mouth, with drawn lips, extends into a trapezoidal goatee reminiscent of that worn by Teke dignitaries. The hairstyle is characteristic of Teke men. 

A protective effigy, it is associated with the birth of a newborn child.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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