Gabon - Kota / mahongwé statue / reliquary from Gabon P010

Kota reliquary from Gabon
Native Object Name: Kota Reliquary Figure
Ethnicity / Culture: Kota / Bakota / Magogwé
Region / country: Gabon
Materials: Wood, Metal
Period: Second half of the 20th century
Condition: Vintage, used with visible signs of wear
Sold with support: no

The Kota people live mainly in eastern Gabon and western Congo.

Many figures of Kota reliquaries exist. They have for common characteristics, a face made of metal sheets plated on a wooden core and a diamond-shaped handle.

The reliquary baskets or "bwété" were kept at the back of the chief's hut. The "bwété" were worshiped with offerings and prayers aimed at bringing prosperity to the clan. At the top of the "bwété"
was placed a reliquary statue with a strongly stylized diamond-shaped body and a head covered with metal.

Dimensions :
- Height : 51 cm
- Width : 17,5 cm
- Depth : 10 cm