Reliquary Guardian Figure
Artist
Kota peoples
(Gabonese)
DateEarly- mid-20th century
MediumWood | Brass
DimensionsOverall: 19 in. (48.3 cm)
ClassificationsAfrican art
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.2404
Terms
- Reliquary
- Africa
- Gabon
Collections
On View
On viewLabel TextReliquary Guardian Figures (Mbulu Ngulu) Early- to mid-20th century Kota peoples Gabon Wood, brass, and copper Gifts of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.2404, 71.2402 respectively Traditionally, the bones of Kota ancestors would be preserved in a basket topped with a carved figure such as one of these two mbulu ngulu. This reliquary, the combined basket and statue, represents the point where the afterlife meets the world of the living, and they are regarded as portals for communication with the deceased.
Yoruba peoples
