Reliquary Kota
Bakota-Obamba · Gabon
Reference: RLC-36
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- Height
- 112 cm
- Material
- Wood, copper and brass
The Mahongwelocated in eastern Gabon, in the regions of Makotu and Mekambo, achieved a high degree of stylization, reducing the body to a simple support with…
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Full original description
The Mahongwelocated in eastern Gabon, in the regions of Makotu and Mekambo, achieved 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 lockets KotaHis 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.
Large statue of locket guard built of hard and heavy wood. A fissure in the back due to antiquity and possible to have been for a long time laid on the ground.
Further technical information
- Attributed period
- Century XIX
Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.
Country on the map
Gabon. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.
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Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.
