Fine African Art Auction
Lot 313:
Height 13 inches, width 7 3/8 inches. Kota people’s, Mahongwe group; Gabon, 19th- first half of 20th century. Wood, brass.
Among the Kele-and Kota-speaking peoples, the contents of each family reliquary were conceived of as highly distinct in character. Not only did the preserved relics, enhanced with decorative metal additions, represented ties to specific ancestors. But the magical substance that accompanied them varied greatly. The formal design of this foliate figure is classic, it’s technical artistry exquisite. It’s aesthetic is distinctive for the natural patina that overlays the lightly encrusted surface. This effect doubtless developed over the course of years, during which the work survived in Gabon but was no longer in use and was subjected regular polishing.
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