YAKA FETISH FIGURES ARCHIVES, DRC

The figures below have been sold and are left here for reference and educational purposes.

For UNSOLD Yaka Fetishes:

GO TO YAKA FETISH FIGURES 1 (1-20) PAGE

GO TO YAKA FETISH FIGURES 2 (21-40) PAGE

GO TO YAKA FETISH FIGURES 3 (41-55) PAGE

GO TO YAKA FETISH FIGURES 4 (61-71) PAGE

The Yaka fetishes below have been vetted as authentic, with evidence of age and use.

 YAKA
Fetish 72

SOLD

 YAKA
Fetish 71
SOLD

 YAKA
Fetish 64
*
SOLD

*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.

 YAKA
Fetish 69
SOLD

 

YAKA
Fetish 63
SOLD

 YAKA
Fetish 70
SOLD


Authentic Yaka fetishes are rare. Despite their appearance, the Yaka figures below show no evidence of age or use and were probably made to be sold.

YAKA STYLE
Fetish 17
23" high
SOLD

 

YAKA STYLE
Fetish 22
22.5" high
SOLD

YAKA STYLE
Fetish 32
19" high
SOLD

YAKA STYLE
Fetish 2

34" high
SOLD


YAKA STYLE
Fetish 9
SOLD

YAKA STYLE
Fetish 28
SOLD

 

YAKA STYLE
Fetish 37
SOLD

YAKA STYLE
Fetish 51
SOLD

 

YAKA STYLE
Fetish 53
SOLD

Photographs © Hamill Gallery

YAKA, FETISH FIGURES ARCHIVES, DRC

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.


GO TO YAKA FETISH FIGURES 1 (1-20) PAGE

GO TO YAKA FETISH FIGURES 2 (21-40) PAGE

GO TO YAKA FETISH FIGURES 3 (41-55) PAGE

GO TO YAKA FETISH FIGURES 4 (61-71) PAGE

GO TO YAKA POSTS PAGE

GO TO YAKA SCULPTURE PAGE

GO TO FETISH! EXHIBITION PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN FETISHES PAGE

GO TO FETISHES (MISCELLANEOUS) PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN FIGURES PAGE

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