The Teke (about 800,000 people) belong to the Bantu peoples. They live predominantly on the savannah-covered high plateau in the border region of the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Gabon. Their cosmology knows beside the real world an invisible parallel universe over which the creator Nziam rules. They assume that their souls are resurrected there. The veneration of the ancestors and the nature spirits, who were to be favorably tuned by prayers and sacrifices, played a central role in the everyday life of the Teke.

Personal protective figures, such as the one offered here, are used as interfaces between this world’s and supernatural forces to promote the good and avert the negative.

Provenance: former private collection from Germany. The figure can`t stand on it`s own.

Object:

Buti figure

Ethnic group:

Teke

Country:

DR Congo

Material:

Wood, Textile, Feathers

Estimated period:

Mid 20th century

Sold with stand:

No

Dimensions:

18x5x5 cm

Weight:

80 gram

Condition:

Good condition, used with some signs of wear

Reserve: $80.00

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $39.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

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Location: This item ships from The Netherlands

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In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.