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an image of a golden helmet on a standan image of a gold mask on a stand against a black backgroundan image of a gold colored mask with a bird on it ' s headsculpture of an elephant head on a stand on a white surfacean image of a wooden sculpture of a person holding a knifestatue of a man holding a knife on a white surfacea close up of a metal object with a face on itan image of a bronze sculpture of a man ' s face on a shieldan image of a bronze sculpture of an elephant ' s head on a standa close up of a metal object on a white surfacea rusted metal object on a stand with a white backgrounda metal object that is sitting on a white surfacea metal object with a leaf on it on a white surfacea close up of a wooden sculpture of a head
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Estimate €10,000 - €15,000
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Description
RELIC FIGURE Gabon, Upper Ogooué region, Kota people Late 19th century Wooden core clad in decorated copper and brass sheets. Dimensions: 45 x 26.5 cm (damage to the back) Reminiscent of the Shamayé style, this reliquary figure is similar to those produced at the traditional craft centre in the village of Otala. The oval, slightly concave face is framed by a crest set into the side headdresses. The face is marked by two lines – one vertical and one horizontal – forming the forehead and nose, framed by two cabochons representing the eyes, and the mouth and chin. The headdress and the crescent-shaped crest are covered with finely engraved brass plates. The neck is adorned with a chiselled brass cylinder, encircled by a collar. The reverse, devoid of metal decoration, is carved with a stylised face, the eyes represented by two upholstery tacks. The base, now missing, was carved in a diamond shape. Devotion to the relics of the dead is one of the characteristics of the religions of many peoples in Gabon. Ancestors are made to feel even more present when their bones are carefully preserved and form the subject of specific rites. The use of bone boxes was widespread in the Congo and Gabon, particularly amongst the so-called Kota people. The Kota are the only people in this region to use metal decoration covering almost the entire wooden frame. These portable tombs were displayed on numerous occasions: during the initiation of young people, the clan’s families would gather, each bringing their own reliquaries. On other occasions, the rites performed by the clan chief were intended to promote women’s fertility and the fertility of the land, or to ensure abundant hunting and fishing, or even to aid in therapeutic treatments. PROVENANCE Purchased in Belgium between 2000 and 2005 by the current owner’s grandfather. Expert: DODIER Laurent & MEYER Antony
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About the sale Autumn collections
Auction location
Auction time 11/05/2026 at 2:30 PM
Lot description modified on 09/30/2026 at 9:10 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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