Brooklyn Museum: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Power Figure

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Power Figure

The Tetela and the Songye are closely related groups who make figures for personal religious rituals. Carving styles and materials for these figures are as diverse as their individual functions. A figure may be used to cure illness, bring wealth, or ensure good hunting. This figure includes fur wrapped tightly around its body and a horn from an antelope projecting from its head.

Culture: Tetela
Medium: Wood, fur, hide, fiber
Place Made: Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Dates: early 20th century
Dimensions: 17 in. (43.2 cm)
Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands
Museum Location: This item is on view in African Galleries, 1st Floor
Accession Number: 72.102.4
Credit Line: Gift of Fernandez Arman to the Jennie Simpson Educational Collection of African Art
Image: Overall, 72.102.4_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph

Catalogue Description: Human figure completely covered except for head. Body fully enveloped with fur, hide and bound in rope. Head has conical headdress.

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Power Figure (Nkishi)

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Collections: Arts of Africa and the Pacific Islands: Power Figure