Figure, Fetish : 2014.1.70

Title:

Male Fetish Figure

Object Name:

Figure, Fetish

Other Name:

Figure, Fetish, Male

Place of Origin:

Yaka / Teke, Congo, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 14"
W = 4"
D = 4"

The majority of Yaka figures were carved in pairs and were associated with Mbwoolo shrines. Their abdomen are usually hollow, enabling the insertion of fetish material and they are also adorned with bundles of paraphernalia. Yaka figures are multi—functional and sometimes have contradictory roles, for example, they were used to heal and to cause illness.

Barquart, P. 184. The Tribal Arts of Africa.

Possibly a Matomba Teke Figure. Matomba figures carry a barrel—shaped Bilongo and have apotropaic functions.

Barquart, P. 132. The Tribal Arts of Africa. (Picture 2)

Description:

Standing male fetish figure with large crescent—shaped headdress on top of elongated oval—shaped head. Large bulgy eyes with black centers, large crescent—shaped ears, long wedge—shaped nose. Small protruding slit mouth, scarification on each cheek below eyes, short cylindrical neck. Body wrapped in buff—colored cloth with traces of orange. Small male phallic symbol, thin bent legs with large wedge—shaped feet, brown legs, black face.

Collection:

Finley Collection

Material:

Wood W/Cloth, Paint, Fetish Material and Metal

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Carving / Painting

Owned:

Art Department, MSSU

Accession#:

2014.1.70