1969.S.196 Standing female figure (_biteki_)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Posed in a flex-kneed position, this biteki is distinguished by a roughly diamond-shaped head from which the nose and mouth project at a sharp angle. The prominent collarlike shoulders blend into the arms bent at the elbow. The hands are joined at chest level.
1969.S.80 Clyster
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This wooden irrigation funnel is decorated with the same intricate incised designs found on Kuba cut-pile and embroidered textiles. It was used to administer enemas to adults; there were smaller ones for children.
1994.199.1.McD Kneeling male figure
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Commissioned by thankful petitioners, this figure and its pair were once placed on an altar dedicated to Shango, the Yoruba thunder god (see also [1994.199.2.McD]). His wrath and power are manifested in thunder and lightning, which he uses to punish those who do not honor him.
1994.199.2.McD Kneeling female figure with bowl
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Commissioned by thankful petitioners, this figure and its pair were once placed on an altar dedicated to Shango, the Yoruba thunder god (See also [1994.199.1.McD]). His wrath and power are manifested in thunder and lightning, which he uses to punish those who do not honor him.
2013.17.2 Ceremonial vessel
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The upper portion of this roughly globular vessel with a long ringed neck is elaborately decorated with textured and plain interlocking triangles separated by raised lines and circles. The rounded bottom of the vessel rested on a fiber ring.
1969.S.31 Standing female power figure (nkisi)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This small standing female nkisi leans forward and offers her breasts in a nurturing gesture. A carved animal horn projects from the top of her head, representing the real horn that is often found on minkisi and packed with consecrated materials.
1969.S.1 Standing figure
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Standing firm with its hands at either side of its belly, this small figure is adorned with scarification patterns: a diamond on the forehead and bands of geometric designs across the shoulders forming an inverted Y at the navel.
1969.S.179 Standing male power figure (_nkisi_)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Instead of a medicine-filled horn projecting from the top of its head, this nkisi—or power figure—displays an iron blade, the significance of which is not precisely known.
2004.48.12, Actinia vase, Rene Jules Lalique (designer), c. 1934
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The peach colored opalescent surface of French glass designer René Jules Lalique's waisted cylindrical shaped vase is embellished with raised spiraling ribs and denticulated vertical bands.
1969.S.32 Standing power figure (nkisi)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Once a powerful nkisi (pl. minkisi), this figure has retained only one pack of medicine, which is contained in the necklace. Judging by the discoloration on the torso, this nkisi once held another medicine pack in front.