Reliquary – Copper, Wood – Mahongwe – Bakota – Gabon

Gorgeous, tribally used, reliquary statue of a guardian. It played an important role in rituals concerning the ancestors. The worship of ancestors is at the heart of religious and social life of the Kota. On the death of the chief parts of his body are decorated with metal and rubbed with magic powders. These relics are kept in a basket. An OBAMBA figure like this one is put on top. This statue is remarkably refined. The front is decorated with various geometric patterns engraved in yellow copper. It obtained a slightly greenish patina of age. In good condition with traces of wear and tear. The wood on the back part has a crack.