Teke (Anzika, Bakono, Bateke, M’Teke, Tege, Teo), both Congo republics and Gabon

Butti statue. The Teke inhabit the Stenley Pool area, in both Congo republics. They are farmers and hunters and live in an area of plateaus covered by savannah, in villages grouped under a district chief. The Teke believed in a supreme being, the creator of the universe, called Nzami or Nziam, but their only cult was an ancestor cult. The power of this statue is in a magical substance (bonga) contained in the sack surrounding the body from which the head and feet protrude. Typical is the presence of fine parallel scarification marks on the cheeks. The butti is believed to bring success in hunting or trading and to protect against disease. The magic stuff may be earth and plant resin mixed with white chalk, small pieces of wood, hair, or other ingredients. The function of the piece of mirror is to increase the power of the butti even more.

Materials: wood, textile, mirror

Size:  H. 12”, W. 3 ½” D. 3 ½”

Price: $170 + $25 (S&H)        [#K7T9S400]