A set of two n'kisi "fetish" statuettes, generally known as biteki among the Yaka for lack of knowledge of the function and specific name of a sculpture in its original context. Loaded with magical ingredients, the biteki statuette becomes n'kisi ("medicine poison"), good or bad, which makes you sick (kukwata) or will heal and protect (kubuka). See : Art of The Yaka and the Suku, Chaffin, p. 107 Yaka, Nigeria Wood, ritual charge, cauri, plant fibers, ligatures, textiles, age cracks, sacrificial patina from use. H. 21 and 29 cm Provenance : Stéphane Mangin / Galerie Kanaga, Paris Collection J. Maillot, Paris, acquired 2000