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."
- Maker/Artist
- Kota
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Formatted Medium
- Wood, copper alloy, copper, 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
Have a concern, a correction, or something to add?
