Reliquary Kota Mahongwe Bwete O Mbulu Ngulu

This reliquary reaches a high degree of stylization, reducing the body to a simple support with a more or less flattened head covered with thin copper or brass sheets, apparently concave for women and convex for men. Copper and brass, wired or in the form of thin sheets, are systematically part of these reliquary guards. These lockets seem to have given rise to the other locketsKotaHis name,Bweté, is most popularly known as “reliquary cobra” because of its resemblance to the head of this snake. Some researchers see them as Egyptian influences.

This type of reliquary was used as long as the mortal remains of the most illustrious ancestors that rested on a sort of basket of raffia non-cortexes persisted and played the role of guardian of these relics. In principle, part of the skull was always preserved.

The great decisions of the clan or of the line were made exclusively in the presence of the initiates, during the course of ceremonies in which these reliquaries intervene.

The stylization and abstraction achieved by KotaThey are made up of trunk, neck and a large head, which is feminine if it is concave or masculine if it is convex. Copper and brass, in sheets, sheets or wire, for the most part, of European origin, systematically form the coating of these so-called reliquary guardians.

Called alsoosyébahave an ogival head, coated with copper threads, as well as the neck. The body, like most kota relicarbios, has a rhombus shape.

This reliquary is very rusty by the passage of time and the climatic conditions in which it has been used. Greenish patina.