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THBAfrican Teke Bulti Power Figure
Lot 108
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$2,500 - $7,500
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Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $100 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $20,000 | $1,000 |
| $50,000 | $2,500 |
| $100,000 | $500,000 |
About Auction
Live
By 500 Gallery
Mar 16, 2022
Set Reminder
2022-03-16 17:30:00
2022-03-16 17:30:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Studio Paintings & Prints Discovery Sale
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/500-gallery/studio-paintings-prints-discovery-sale-9033
New-to-the-market pieces from private collections are presented along with hundreds of artworks from our extensive storerooms. Paintings and drawings by and attributed to master artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Picasso, Warhol, Basquiat, Monet, and Chagall. 500 Gallery info@500gallery.com
New-to-the-market pieces from private collections are presented along with hundreds of artworks from our extensive storerooms. Paintings and drawings by and attributed to master artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Picasso, Warhol, Basquiat, Monet, and Chagall. 500 Gallery info@500gallery.com
View Full Catalog (208)
- Lot Description
Teke people (Bateke), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa: Bulti Bonga (Power Figure) Late 19th Century (Circa 1875). Carved wood, wax, natural pigments and unknown materials.
This imposing abstracted male figure dons the distinctive Mupani coif of the Sise sub-tribe. Thee are no tribal marks on the face, indicating that the figure represents a Bulti (ancestor of the tribe) and the presence of Bonga (substances placed within the cavity of the abdomen, and sealed with resin) confers great mystical power.
In place of arms, each side is adorned with bas relief male faces with Mupani hair styles and beards. Made for use in a magical or medicinal context, the front center of the abdomen has a circular patch of wax or resin which seals a cavity potentially filled with Bonga (appropriate curative substances.)
The position of the legs of this figure are bent, as in men's dances. The feet are flat-bottomed, to allow the figure to stand. The feet were partially buried in light soil. The feet of this figure show such use, as there is evidence of damage by insects.
In traditional use, Bonga are kept in men's personal huts and especially in the huts of chiefs. Bonga are personal property with specific power kept secret by its owner. In the hands of another, the object has no positive power.
The nga (fetish man) usually possesses several bonga. Each has a specific application, such as success in hunting or transactions, and protection against diseases.
This piece will be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
21" x 7" x 7"
L2.Aged, worn condition. The wood has cracks and there is insect damage to the legs. One foot has an inconspicuous glued repair. The hair's crest is damaged and also has wax residue which may have once affixed hair or feathers.Condition
NOTE: If documentation is not listed, the lot is sold without documents.
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