Yaka, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A power and protective figure ‘Yiteke’ with a ‘magic ball’.
The Yaka live in southwestern Congo. Their small power figures, called 'Yiteke', serve as protective amulets against misfortune, witchcraft, illness and death. The Yaka figure presented here wears a ‘magic ball’ around the middle of its body, as is often found amongst the Teke, the northern neighbours of the Yaka. In such balls, the ‘ritual specialist’ of the community (priest, magician, healer etc.) packs his ‘magic material’ out of plants, earth and small objects, through which the ‘power’ of the figure first becomes effective. If the figure is sold or passed on, the ‘magic ball’ is mostly removed. The present power figure 'Yiteke' displays the typical style of the Yaka: with expressively executed head and characteristic profile, with a pointed nose slightly curving upwards, and accentuated mouth-chin area, with protruding ears, hairstyle and headdress, some vertical scarification marks on both cheeks, as well as with slightly bent legs. It is carved of hard wood, coloured dark brown, and has been often rubbed with powdered redwood over its entirety. The visible parts made of wood display a good, old patina. An age-related crack on the right side of the head. H: 22 cm. First half to mid-20th century. (ME)
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
02.11.2015 - 14:00
- Prezzo di partenza:
-
EUR 500,-
Yaka, Dem. Rep. of Congo: A power and protective figure ‘Yiteke’ with a ‘magic ball’.
The Yaka live in southwestern Congo. Their small power figures, called 'Yiteke', serve as protective amulets against misfortune, witchcraft, illness and death. The Yaka figure presented here wears a ‘magic ball’ around the middle of its body, as is often found amongst the Teke, the northern neighbours of the Yaka. In such balls, the ‘ritual specialist’ of the community (priest, magician, healer etc.) packs his ‘magic material’ out of plants, earth and small objects, through which the ‘power’ of the figure first becomes effective. If the figure is sold or passed on, the ‘magic ball’ is mostly removed. The present power figure 'Yiteke' displays the typical style of the Yaka: with expressively executed head and characteristic profile, with a pointed nose slightly curving upwards, and accentuated mouth-chin area, with protruding ears, hairstyle and headdress, some vertical scarification marks on both cheeks, as well as with slightly bent legs. It is carved of hard wood, coloured dark brown, and has been often rubbed with powdered redwood over its entirety. The visible parts made of wood display a good, old patina. An age-related crack on the right side of the head. H: 22 cm. First half to mid-20th century. (ME)
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Asta: | Tribal Art |
| Tipo d'asta: | Asta in sala |
| Data: | 02.11.2015 - 14:00 |
| Luogo dell'asta: | Wien | Palais Dorotheum |
| Esposizione: | 28.10. - 02.11.2015 |