Figure gardienne de reliquaire "mbulu-ngulu" ·  Gabon, Kota - Obamba · ID: 3049534

Description

wood, copper sheet, kaolin, addition below the diamond-shaped handle

The Kota have the custom of gathering the bones, skulls and other relics of deceased chiefs and important community members (together with magical substances) into woven rattan baskets. These containers, “bwete”, are topped by figurative sculptures made of wood and brass, which are believed to embody the ancestral guardian spirits that reside in the containers.

Ensembles of ancestor shrine and guardian figure are known as “mbulu ngulu”, “mboy” or “bwiti”. These shrines were meant to enable the living to communicate with the ancestors of the spirit realm through offerings. The practice of ancestor worship (also called “bwete”) ensures the protection and survival of the family group. Ancestors are also prayed to, through their “bwete” shrines, to help alleviate misfortune or sickness.

L’objet Figure gardienne de reliquaire “mbulu-ngulu” avec l’ID d’objet 3049534 a fait partie de la dernière vente aux enchères 99e vente aux enchères dans 12 novembre 2022 le Zemanek-Münster Hôtel des ventes. L’objet portant le numéro de lot 293 a atteint un prix de vente de 4 500 €.

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