TEKE, Democratic Republic of Congo. Wood, residue of composite material. Desecrated magical statue used in rain incantations. It is a representation of a standing male figure, the central cavity hollowed out with a residue of earthy material, the tall, proud head streaked with vertical scarification marks, the rectangular beard. The whole is topped with the double headdress, mwu (crown-shaped) and mupani (crest-shaped). First half of the 20th century. Height: 25.5 cm. Cracks and erosions. Provenance: Belgian private collection.