Figure
Teke Artist, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Details
Title
Figure
Artist/Maker
Teke Artist, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date
Late nineteenth–early twentieth century
Medium
Wood
Dimensions
19 x 4 x 4 1/2 inches
Credit
Fred and Rita Richman Collection
Accession #
1979.40.132
On View
Currently not on view
The cavity at the center of this sculpture’s torso would have been filled with special ingredients to enhance the figure’s medicinal efficacy. Teke sculpture is distinguished by the parallel lines incised on the forehead and cheeks of carved figures. This figure wears an elaborate coiffure or headdress and has a beard, suggesting elder status. Teke woodcarvers produce not only figurative sculptures but also divination objects, flywhisks, combs, and axes.
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