Male figure (butti)

The Teke keep such figures in their houses to bring prosperity and well-being. The carvings become spiritually active when sacred materials are placed within or applied around the torso like a large cloak, as seen here. The clay and mud applied contains such things as the hair of important elders and bits of chalk representing the bones of the dead. Parallel lines on the face represent the scarification patterns with which the Teke decorate themselves.

Teke chiefs commissioned large protective figures; individuals owned smaller images, such as this one, to be loci for personal empowerment or healing. The sharp beard, narrow facial scarification, and brimmed headpiece contrast with the smooth encasement of empowering materials. Such figures usually acquired their special properties when a nganga added activating substances (mainly organic materials) into a body cavity. In this example, a protruding elephant whisker adds even more potency to the clay and sand mantle.