Description:

Central Africa, Gabon, Kota peoples, Mahongwe group, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. An abstract anthropomorphic figure skillfully carved from wood and almost completely covered with thin brass panels that contain incised and stippled decorations. The lower body of the figure is comprised of an angular wooden stem / base - the shoulder covered with brass panels, serving as a neck for the head, an elongated visage with a domed brow and flared headdress and side flanges which symbolize elephant ears. The entire facing surface is covered with brass panels - repousse eyes with scarification marks, circular mouth, and raised nose. This reliquary figure was an important ritual piece for the Kota peoples that would protect the spirits of their ancestors, and these figures were often placed with the deceased as gestures of reverence - strapped to cloth bundles via their slender base. Size: 12.5" L x 2" W x 23.5" H (31.8 cm x 5.1 cm x 59.7 cm)

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection; ex-Martin Boxer collection; ex-Komor Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, circa 1965

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#160620

  • Condition: Pressure fissures on lower body and fissures to verso of head. Inactive insect cavities on verso. Green patina and mineral deposits on brass areas. Nice patina to wood on verso.

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June 15, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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