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Standing Figure (Yiteke)

A work made of wood.

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  • A work made of wood.

Date:

Late 19th/early 20th century

Artist:

Yaka
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Central Africa

About this artwork

Among the Yaka, these types of small wooden sculptures are known as yiteki and they serve a ritual function as receptacles for powerful substances employed to avert, contain and control malevolent forces. One of the most striking features of most yiteki is the prominent up-turned nose, which perhaps references the elephant—one of the most powerful animals in the bush. This figure holds both arms up to its chest or beard, wears a hat, has protruding ears, closed eyes, and a roughly cylindrical body with bulging stomach, bent knees and large feet.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Arts of Africa

Culture

Yaka

Title

Standing Figure (Yiteke)

Place

Democratic Republic of the Congo (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1875–1925

Medium

Wood

Dimensions

H.: 27.3 cm (10 3/4 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Deborah Stokes and Jeffrey Hammer

Reference Number

1987.315

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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