Teke, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A ‘Biteki’ power figure with hat and ‘magic ball’.
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.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
02.11.2015 - 14:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 1,800.-
Teke, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A ‘Biteki’ power figure with hat and ‘magic ball’.
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.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 02.11.2015 - 14:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 28.10. - 02.11.2015 |
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