Power Figure (Nkishi)
early 20th century
Tetela
Arts of Africa
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.
- Maker/Artist
- Tetela
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Formatted Medium
- Wood, fur, hide, fiber, horn
- Locations
- Place made: Maniema Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Dimensions
- 17 in. (43.2 cm)
- Departments
- Arts of Africa
- Accession Number
- 72.102.4
- Credit Line
- Gift of Fernandez Arman to the Jennie Simpson Educational Collection of African Art
- Exhibitions
- African Innovations, Double Take: African Innovations
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- This item is not on view
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