The Teke in central Congo use these power figures, called ‘Biteki’, as magic protection especially against diseases, witchcraft and death. They believe that the effective, ‘magic power’ of a ‘Biteki’ resides in its body. For this reason, these sculptures not only have a cavity for ‘magic substances’ in their abdominal area, but also a ‘magic ball’, called ‘Bilogo’, tied to their waist. The ceremonial specialist of a Teke community (priests, soothsayers etc.) fills these ‘magic balls’ with ‘effective substances’ (plants, earth, objects etc.) and ties it around the ‘Biteki’ during ritual ceremonies. Then his power works. The present ‘Biteki’ power figure is also especially fascinating due to its visible age. It is carved out of wood and displays the typical and common head of a Teke man: with a hat worn towards the back, ears, and an angular goatee. The otherwise rather common, vertical scarification marks over the entire face and the eyes can no longer be recognised on this figure. They have either been rubbed off, or are hidden under an old layer of shiny patina due to the long period of use of this ‘Biteki’. His left leg is also missing. His remaining right leg appears therefore ‘petrified’ by the old, partly shiny patina. Also the magic ball, ‘Bilongo’, attests to the amazing old age of the piece, by its colour, its patina, and the encrusted layer due to offerings. Overall a small, but highly interesting piece. H: c. 16 cm. 19th century (or possibly earlier). (ME)

Provenance: Hungarian Private Collection.

Lit.: ‘The Tribal Arts of Africa’ by Jean-Baptiste Bacquart, p. 132, 133, 135, fig. 2, 3, 8, 10 and B.