Photo of collection object Reliquary Figure (Mbulu Ngulu) — Kota. Reliquary Figure (Mbulu Ngulu), late 19th-early 20th century. Wood, copper alloy, copper, accumulated/applied materials, 20 3/4 x 8 3/8 x 2 1/4 in. (52.7 x 21.3 x 5.9 cm). Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos, 56.6.19. Creative Commons-BY.

Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn Museum

Reliquary Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)

late 19th-early 20th century

Kota

Arts of Africa

The Kota believe that the bones of important men and women retain power after death, providing protection and good fortune to an individual's descendants. The bones are preserved in reliquaries made of bark or basketry. On top are placed figures known as bwiti. This bwiti typifies the Kota style. The face is covered with strips of hammered brass and copper. The neck swells into an open lozenge shape, the lower part of which is thrust into the container of bones forming its "body."

Original Source

Maker/Artist: Kota
Classification: Sculpture
Formatted Medium: Wood, copper alloy, copper, accumulated/applied materials
Medium: wood, copper, alloy, accumulated, applied, materials
Locations: Place made: Gabon
Dimensions: 20 3/4 x 8 3/8 x 2 1/4 in. (52.7 x 21.3 x 5.9 cm)
Departments: Arts of Africa
Accession Number: 56.6.19
Credit Line: Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos
Rights Statement: Creative Commons-BY
Museum Location: This item is not on view
Dominant Colors

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