A fantastic Reliquary Figure from the Kota Tribe, Gabon. Kota reliquaries comprise a figurine suggestive of a human face and the diamond shaped body representing arms and elbows. They are placed in a wicker or bark basket which contains the bones of a deceased person and various magical substances or medicines. The aim of this cult was to protect the ancestors family or certain possessions. This reliquary is covered with copper, lateral flanges and a curved coiffure. See a similar illustration in 'The Tribal Arts of Africa' J B Bacquart pg.123.
This is a fine example of a Kota Reliquary Guardian and shows good signs of age and use.
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