MBÉDÉ
MBÉDÉ
A pair of Mbédé (or Ambété) reliquaries belonging to prominent figures.
From Tsama (near Okondja, Gabon). 20th century.Height: 75 cm and 84 cm.Two IR spectroscopy dating certificates (G. Matthaes patent) from the Museo d’Arte e Scienza, Milan, nos. 6AF-3669 and 6AF-3670, indicate the dates 1945 ± 8 years and, for no. 6AF-3670: 1945 ± 8 years.Medium-weight wood. Kaolin patina (lempiémè) on the body. Red patina on the forehead (lekula). Hair dyed black. Height: 84 cm (female statue) and 76 cm (male statue).These reliquaries were used in the worship of ancestral lords, prominent figures, heads of lineages or clan chiefs (nkani).The cavity in the back, which has never been opened, contains fragments of bones (tibia and clavicle, the weight-bearing bones of the skeleton) that are still present and visible on X-rays (see X-rays supplied with the piece). It has retained its door, which is secured by a wicker ligament (ondi).The figures are adorned with ritual accessories. The female statue wears necklaces with wooden and bone beads and a headdress embellished with brass nails; the male statue carries a bell. As is customary with Mbédé reliquaries, the teeth of each figure are made of iron spikes.They ensured the cohesion and prestige of the clan. The head of the family acted as their guardian. They were consulted on important decisions: migrations, marriages or the resolution of conflicts. During ceremonies, the statues were brought out of the chief’s hut and sometimes anointed with oil or red powder to reactivate their protective power.
MBÉDÉ
A pair of Mbédé (or Ambété) reliquaries belonging to prominent figures.
From Tsama (near Okondja, Gabon). 20th century.Height: 75 cm and 84 cm.Two IR spectroscopy dating certificates (G. Matthaes patent) from the Museo d’Arte e Scienza, Milan, nos. 6AF-3669 and 6AF-3670, indicate the dates 1945 ± 8 years and, for no. 6AF-3670: 1945 ± 8 years.Medium-weight wood. Kaolin patina (lempiémè) on the body. Red patina on the forehead (lekula). Hair dyed black. Height: 84 cm (female statue) and 76 cm (male statue).These reliquaries were used in the worship of ancestral lords, prominent figures, heads of lineages or clan chiefs (nkani).The cavity in the back, which has never been opened, contains fragments of bones (tibia and clavicle, the weight-bearing bones of the skeleton) that are still present and visible on X-rays (see X-rays supplied with the piece). It has retained its door, which is secured by a wicker ligament (ondi).The figures are adorned with ritual accessories. The female statue wears necklaces with wooden and bone beads and a headdress embellished with brass nails; the male statue carries a bell. As is customary with Mbédé reliquaries, the teeth of each figure are made of iron spikes.They ensured the cohesion and prestige of the clan. The head of the family acted as their guardian. They were consulted on important decisions: migrations, marriages or the resolution of conflicts. During ceremonies, the statues were brought out of the chief’s hut and sometimes anointed with oil or red powder to reactivate their protective power.
