Teke Bilongo FigureTribe: Teke Country: Democrtaic Republic of Congo Material: Wood, Clay, Beads, Feather & other fetish material. Size: 12.5" Tall
Teke artists carved figures predominantly surrounded by fetish material, known as bilongo. These figures protect and assist the Teke and if a fetish figure successfully demonstrates its power, its owner may detach its bilongo, break it into several pieces and insert fragments into other figures. He will then sell the new figures to neighboring families, leaving the original statue with an emaciated body.
for more information see:
|