Bembe Statue, Dominican Republic of the Congo, c. 1960

The most well-known statues among the Bembe are called Biteki, and they usually bear scars on their bodies and scarifications on their faces. They represent leaders, warriors and also women. Thanks to their Bilongo (magic charge inserted into one anal cavity or another), these statues protect and participate in the fight against witchcraft and evil spells. These statues represent the deceased, remind the living of their presence and participate in the activities of their descendants. This figure represents a dignitary, during a family reunion, holding a head in his hands (Banganga) that can attract the attention of spirits or ancestors and interact with them. Height: 79 cm Reproduced: Catalogue “Africa Babel: the Art of a Continent”, p.- 115 right
 
Exhibitions:
2022-2024 Island of Fuerteventura “Art Africa: Ancestral Light”. Lighthouse of the Entallada. Cabildo of Fuerteventura.
2021-2022 Panama City. Government of Panama. “Art Africa: the spirit of the ancestors”. Ministry of Culture Headquarters. Casco Viejo.
2019-2020 Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Caja Canarias Foundation. “Africa-Babel: the art of a Continent”. Headquarters Plaza Patriotismo.
2013-2015 Museum of Art of Africa and Oceania (Madao). La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia.
2005 “Black Africa”, Leather Museum.
2004 “Black Africa”. Caixa Laietana Foundation, Barcelona. Main exhibition hall