Kongo group, Republic of Congo

19 inches, wood

Called a Butti, figures of this sort were made to be used for protection from sorcery. The Teke, who live along the Congo River, are known for their cults and societies which utilize a wide range of spirit figures and fetish pieces. Perhaps the open area framed by the arms on the front was used to display a ritual object. Carvings carved from a green log will sometimes crack vertically when the wood dries. The cracking you see here will not continue further.

$250