YAKA FETISH FIGURES 4, (61-72) DRC

The Yaka fetishes on this page have all been vetted as authentic, with evidence of age and use. *No. 64 is from the Herbert Baker collection. An early collector and dealer of African Art, Herbert Baker had an exhibition of part of his collection at the Museum of Primitive Art, NYC in 1969. This figure was purchased from him and includes his bill of sale with guarantee of authenticity from 1980.

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.