YAKA FETISH FIGURES 2, (21-40) DRC

YAKA Fetish 21 23.5", $600

YAKA Fetish 22 22.5", $500

YAKA Fetish 23 21", $500

YAKA Fetish 24 22", $500

YAKA Fetish 25 22", $500

YAKA Fetish 26 23.5", $600

YAKA Fetish 27 22", $300

YAKA Fetish 28 SOLD

YAKA Fetish 29 20", $400

YAKA Fetish 30 20", $500

YAKA Fetish 31 19.75", $400

YAKA Fetish 32 19", $600

YAKA Fetish 33 19.5", $250

YAKA Fetish 34 18.5", $400

YAKA Fetish 35 18", $250

YAKA Fetish 36 18.5", $250

YAKA Fetish 37 SOLD

YAKA Fetish 38 17", $400

YAKA Fetish 39 17", $300

YAKA Fetish 40 15.5", $300

Fetishes were protective figures used by individuals, families, or whole communities to destroy or weaken evil spirits, prevent or cure illnesses, repel bad deeds, solemnize contracts or oath-taking, and decide arguments. A diviner or holy person would activate the statue, using magical substances. Fetishes gained power and were effective because people believed in them.

Yaka fetishes known as Biteki support sacred substances containing life force. These materials, together with the figure, assist the prayers and supplications of their owners for protection of harm, sickness or loss. Distinctive facial features of Yaka sculpture include the bisected eyes and upturned noses that are typical of their masks as well.

Despite their appearance most of these Yaka figures show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.