The Teke in central Congo use these power figures, called ‘Biteki’, as magic protection especially against diseases, witchcraft and death (for a more detailed explanation cf. cat. no. 82). The ‘Biteki’ power figure offered here is carved in hard, brown wood and dyed black. It wears a hat with high central crest. The head is in Teke style, with wide face, semi-circular ears, and with the typical, angular goatee beard. The legs and feet are worked together, with a recess at the back. Around his body the ‘Biteki’ wears a large ‘magic ball’, called a ‘Bilongo’, covered with shiny black material. On one side of this ‘Bilongo’ a striped animal pelt is tied. Overall, a power figure of the Teke people, in complete, ‘classic’ form. With good, old, partly encrusted shiny patina as a result of protracted use. A small, old break with crack on the base in the front, and a crack on the head and hat at the left at the back. Otherwise no damage. H: 29 cm; W: 8 cm (at the ball).First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Belgian Private Collection.

Lit.: 'Die Kunst des Schwarzen Afrika' by Kerchache, Paudrat, Stephan, fig. 629, 630, 633; 'The Tribal Arts of Africa' by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, p. 132, fig. 2, p. 135, fig. B.