Standing Figure (Yiteke)

Among the Yaka, these types of small wooden sculptures are known as yiteki and they serve a ritual function as receptacles for powerful substances employed to avert, contain and control malevolent forces. One of the most striking features of most yiteki is the prominent up-turned nose, which perhaps references the elephant—one of the most powerful animals in the bush. This figure holds both arms up to its chest or beard, wears a hat, has protruding ears, closed eyes, and a roughly cylindrical body with bulging stomach, bent knees and large feet.