Reliquary with Maash A-Mbooy Female Figurine

Reliquary representing A Ngaady a mwaashsister and wife of Woot, ancestor of the Bushongos, i.e. KubaThe face is that of the mask of the same name, with the same polychrome, forming geometric drawings, paled by time. The headdress is made of vegetable fibers adorned with some cauris.The hands holding the breasts allude to motherhood. The purely religious character of this reliquary statue is manifested by a more sober ornamentation. The belly presnets a large circular cavity, covered by the glass that serves as a cover to the relic box. The glass serves in some ethnic groups to alienate the enemies because when approaching and being reflected they understand that they have stolen their soul. It is a way to protect lockets and other sacred objects. This locket may also contain medicinal or magical substances.