Seated ancestor figure

19th–first half of 20th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 344

This figure likely served as a conduit to an honored ancestor during times of need. Teke men kept such works in a special area of their homes, adjacent to the hearth. Standing examples were frequently encased in cloth in a manner that parallels the ceremonial wrapping of men’s bodies at death. That thick covering sometimes concealed empowering medicines known as bonga. Although men in Central Africa did not historically wear full facial hair, figures of this type invariably feature carefully modeled lips framed by prominent beards. Beard clippings and spat libations, including kola nut juice, play an important role in the ritual activation of such figures. In some instances, deactivated examples were reconsecrated by a priest and transferred to new owners.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Seated ancestor figure
Artist: Bembe-Kongo artist
Date: 19th–first half of 20th century
Geography: Republic of Congo
Culture: Kongo peoples, Bembe group
Medium: Wood, ivory
Dimensions: H. 6 1/2 x W. 2 1/2 x D. 2 3/4 in. (16.5 x 6.4 x 7 cm)
Classification: Wood-Sculpture
Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1967
Object Number: 1978.412.543
Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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Bata (ram) mask for a beete performance, Kwele artist, Wood, pigment, kaolin, Kwele peoples — Bata (ram) mask for a beete performance
Kwele artist
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Three-headed male figure, Kuyu artist, Wood, pigment, Kuyu — Three-headed male figure
Kuyu artist
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Nkiba or butti ancestor figure, Fumu-Teke or Bembe-Kongo artist, Wood (ngasu or mulong), cloth, organic matter, Teke peoples, Fumu group or Kongo peoples, Bembe group — Nkiba or butti ancestor figure
Fumu-Teke or Bembe-Kongo artist
19th–early 20th century

Reliquary figure, Mbete-Kota artist, Wood, pigment, metal, cowrie shells, Kota peoples, Mbete group — Reliquary figure
Mbete-Kota artist
19th century

Boho na bwete (face of the ancestor), Mahongwe-Kota artist, Wood, copper alloy sheet, copper alloy sheet-wire filaments, copper-alloy wire, iron and copper-alloy nails, Kota peoples, Mahongwe group — Boho na bwete (face of the ancestor)
Mahongwe-Kota artist
1879–early 20th century

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