Face of the Kota Reliquary

Carved in wood, the human face and head is enlarged and exaggerated in a geometric form that rises above its carved neck and smaller open lozenge body. The front of the figure is covered in copper and brass, metals that were scarce and as highly valued as gold in nineteenth century Gabon. The metals were hammered with decorative geometric patterns and motifs, and were kept shiny to be as reflective, symbolic of water and the spiritual other side.

Kota Reliquary Detail

These sculptural guards were originally attached above a basket holding the remains, acting as a mystical connection between the living and the dead. As the people of Gabon converted to Christianity over the 18th and 19th centuries, missionaries and colonials began to collect these figures. Today, most of these sculptures can be found in museums and private collections in Europe and North America.

Origin: Gabon
Period: 19th Century
Materials: Wood, brass and copper

Find purchase details here: Kota Reliquary Figure.