Figure: Male

Unknown

19th–20th century · Wood, ivory · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

This figure likely served as a conduit to an honored ancestor during times of need. Teke men kept such works in a special area of their homes, adjacent to the hearth. Standing examples were frequently encased in cloth in a manner that parallels the ceremonial wrapping of men’s bodies at death. That thick covering sometimes concealed empowering medicines known as bonga. Although men in Central Africa did not historically wear full facial hair, figures of this type invariably feature carefully modeled lips framed by prominent beards. Beard clippings and spat libations, including kola nut juice, play an important role in the ritual activation of such figures. In some instances, deactivated examples were reconsecrated by a priest and transferred to new owners.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th–20th century

Medium

Wood, ivory

Culture

Kongo peoples, Bembe group

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1967