Figure | butti

There are two kinds of protective figures: bilongo and butti. The latter figures are angular in shape and have large distended bellies covering the entire torso area; they are made of lumps of clay glued together with resin. The emphasis on the tripartite structure of head, torso and legs is already taken into account during the carving process. The carver marks the three areas and begins to shape the head. The salient features that identify these figures include hairstyle, vertical grooves on the face and a protruding, often angular beard, itself a sign of authority. A cavity for the storage of bongu (hair, fingernails, leaves, pieces of fur, etc., thought to contain magical properties) has been hollowed out in the middle of the somewhat crudely fashioned body. This substance alone transforms a mere figure (tege) into a powerful butti. The slightly angled legs have not been elaborated in much detail. The primary function of buttis is to protect children. Part of the afterbirth is incorporated into the figure. From then on, the butti is offered sacrifices as the child's protector, ultimately being interred together with its owner upon the latter's death. Author: Michael Schönhuth, Translation: Timothy Connell