African Tribal Gabon Kota Reliquary Guardian Figure

Description

African Tribal Gabon Kota Reliquary Guardian Figure. The Kota tribe stored the bones of ancestors in containers, which were surmounted by a carved figure guardian. Kota guardians are two dimensional and anthropomorphic,and are covered with sheets or thin strips of metal brass, or copper. They are carved with highly stylized faces, upon a open lozenge (diamond shaped) body, and then would be placed in a woven basket. This one has a crescent shaped coiffure, embossed metal sheeting drapes over front of figure, with flanges, pointed nose, domed head with oval shaped face, and round tubular eyes attached with nails. It also has carved wood simple face on back! Pre 1960’s. Seller has a large collection of Kotas and gives discounts for buying more than one piece. The collection includes Kotas dating from turn of century to 1980’s, more than a dozen are authentic indigenous pieces circa 1900-1940. Contact seller for more info. 20 1/2”l x 11”w x 2”d. Ships with with USPS Priority Mail.