Head sculpture ·  Gabon, Tsogho · ID: 3035543

Description

wood, brown patina, remains of polychrome paint, the eyes inset with mirror glass, parallel cheek scarifications, hole on top of the head, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage and abrasion, cracks, socle;
presumably coming from a reliquary ensemble. Like most ethnic groups in Gabon, the Tsogho venerate their ancestors by focusing on the remains of them, which are kept in a basket and surmounted by a half figure or a head as guardian of the reliquaries, a practice which is also common with the neighbouring Sango to the east.