H x W x D: 13.3 x 6.8 x 4.4 cm (5 1/4 x 2 11/16 x 1 3/4 in.)
Type:
Figure
Geography:
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Date:
Mid-20th century
Label Text:
Wood figures filled with medicines are among the major art forms of the Teke peoples. The faces of these figures often display the deeply carved, evenly spaced vertical lines of traditional Teke scarification and the hatlike hairstyles of noble families. The arms were often not fully carved because they were to be covered. Some of the figures in this grouping are empty of medicine and some are full.
Description:
Standing wood figure with torso wrapped in a ball of cloth impregnated with red pigment. Face of figure is worn down and as a result, the facial features are not well defined.
Exhibition History:
BIG/small, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., January 17-July 23, 2006
Content Statement:
As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.
Image Requests:
High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/
