Reliquary Ambete

The Ambete are located along the border between the People’s Republic of Congo and Gabon. The reliquary statue, feminine, has its arms glued along a rather cylindrical body, and forearms that are confused with the hands moving outward. The forehead occupies the upper half of the head. Face in the form of an ellipse cut into two by a curved front, and a hairstyle that forms a kind of central crest from which fall two lateral manes formed by furrows. Open mouth, without lips, with metallic teeth well visible. His eyes are represented by cauris. The head has the same width as the body, elongated torso and lignerously flexed short legs, These reliquaries are characterized by the large dorsal cavity destined to receive the relics of the ancestors, especially part of the skull and other bones. The feet are confused with what might be the base of the statue. The holes under the armpits and chest appear to be intended to carry the statue in walks during processions or also for a better location in its sanctuary. These images are covered in kaolin, as white is the color of mourning. Time skate.