TÉKÉ, Republic of Congo Set of two fetishes with abdominal c - Lot 170

TÉKÉ, Republic of Congo Set of two fetishes with abdominal cavities, originally intended to contain prophylactic materials. Their ancestral heads, with solid necks, feature faces adorned with ritual scarification and topped with traditional headdresses. Wood, old brown and honey patina, use marks, remains of prophylactic material in cavities Height: 26.5 to 35 cm. 26.5 to 35 cm. Teke fetishes, called butti, matomba or mutinu bmmba, fulfilled apotropaic functions. They were used to protect, heal or ward off evil, under the authority of the nganga (diviner-healer), who activated their power by endowing them with a magical charge. The flat headdress topped by a crest, typical of this statuary, expressed social status and authority. The presence of a stylized beard further reinforced the dimension of seniority and wisdom.