African Arts Gallery

These tribal statues protecting against enemies were made according to the instructions of the Nganga ngoombu and the object's sponsor. This tribal art sculpture was then activated using rituals and incantatory formulas. Crouching, holding an imposing horned head with his hands and displaying a grin revealing his teeth, the character embodies an evil spirit, named kiteke. The horns, associated with the red antelope, also refer to the animal's behaviour in the bush and its sexuality. In addition, among the neighboring Kongo clans, the naked posture, crouching, sondama , evokes an emergency action, attacking enemies in a supernatural way. Dark satin patina. Desication crack.
On Arthur P. Bourgeois, these types of statues are fetishes for chiefs among Mbala, Hungaan, Tsaam, Suku, Ngongo and Pindi. Their function is therapeutic. When the chief is in pain, the malwambi kaolin is coated and placed in a special hut until the chief's death. In addition to their nkisi fetishes, Suku chiefs used fetishes named bwene, bisungu representing the clan's ancestor. (C.M.Faïk-Nzuji, The Power of the Sacred) ( " Treasures of Africa Ed. Tervuren Museum( Yaka, 5Continents; Unrivalled art Ed. J.Volper)