Rare 26” African Teke Fetish Figure – Hand-Carved Nkisi Statue

Rare 26” African Teke Fetish Figure – Hand-Carved Nkisi Statue – Congo Tribal Ar For Sale

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Rare 26” African Teke Fetish Figure – Hand-Carved Nkisi Statue – Congo Tribal Ar:
$1350.00

This 26-inch Teke Fetish Figure, handcrafted by the Teke people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Gabon, is a powerful spiritual artifact used in rituals for protection, healing, and justice. Known as a Nkisi (plural: Minkisi), these figures were traditionally activated by ritual specialists (Nganga) through the insertion of magical substances (bilongo) in the chest cavity.

This striking piece features:
✔️ Geometric facial features with strong symmetrical carvings, characteristic of Teke sculpture.
✔️ A prominent rectangular torso with a ritual cavity, historically filled with sacred materials.
✔️ A central embedded mirror or metal plate, used to reflect and deflect spiritual forces.
✔️ Rope and fiber adornments, emphasizing its ritual significance and tribal authenticity.
✔️ Aged patina and ceremonial wear, showcasing its traditional use in spiritual practices.

💡 Cultural & Spiritual Significance:
Teke fetish figures were considered powerful spirit containers, used to maintain social order, ward off evil forces, and enforce oaths or agreements. The ritual cavity often held medicinal or magical substances, believed to give the figure its supernatural power.

Early 20th Century