Reliquary - Brass, Copper, Wood - Bakota - Gabon - 38,5 cm

Kota / Bakota Mahongwe Reliquary guardian figure early to mid 20th century, Gabon A lovely compact example of Mahongwe kota reliquary figure, covered in brass and copper, with bone eyes covered in organic matter and finished with upholstery furniture nails, the front gently concave, expertly covered with thin stripes of copper, rubbed and hand polished over time to the point that these copper strips have worn into each other and are almost seamless. The neck of the figure echoes in the same horizontal linear strip decoration while the back is fully covered in copper, bearing geometric zigzag raised and indented patterns which meet in the middle in a row of raised semi spherical studs which runs vertically down the middle of the back, like abstracted protrusions of a spine. A beautifully crafted object, with signs of wear commensurate with its age. The "shoulders" of the figure missing. This area has been replicated in height by a bespoke mount. Size: 38. 5 x 21. 5 x 5. 5 cm Mounted on a bespoke stand, 55. 5 x 21. 5 x 16. 8 cm Provenance: ex Private Collection Jean Yves Brethes, collected in situ c1950/60 Private Collection, France Private Collection, London UK