Artwork Page for Male Figure

Details / Information for Male Figure

Male Figure

late 1800s-early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Republic of the Congo (most likely) or Democratic Republic of the Congo, Teke-style maker

Medium
Wood, resin, iron, copper, plant fiber, cloth, glass beads, coins, antelope horns, and cowrie shells
Measurements
Overall: 97.1 cm (38 1/4 in.); without base: 91.5 x 16 x 16.3 cm (36 x 6 5/16 x 6 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund 2010.430
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The coins on the figure’s hat were those used in the Belgian Congo.

Description

This exceptionally large Teke figure is well preserved and holds a medicine package partly buried in an abdominal cavity. Its size suggests that it stood at the service of a larger group of people and that its powers extended beyond the limits of a village. Its scarification marks and beard identify it as representing a chief or another dignitary.
A dark-brown wood and resin sculpture depicts a standing figure with a tiered, cone-shaped headdress. A band of metal coins circles the base of the point. The figure's face features slit-like eyes and a rectangular mouth. A large, rounded bundle embedded with white shells is fixed to the cylindrical chest. Short arms rest at the waist above small legs and blocky feet. The dark surface is roughly textured with visible carving marks.

Male Figure

late 1800s-early 1900s

Africa, Central Africa, Republic of the Congo (most likely) or Democratic Republic of the Congo, Teke-style maker

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