Reliquary Figure Kota Bakota Obamba Gabon

Large reliquary basket guardian fetish, this model is in use among the Kota people in Gabon, particularly in the Haut Ogooué region. These are protection fetishes, they had to impress to protect the relics of the ancestors kept in bark baskets, these baskets were taken out during certain important ceremonies. It is made up of 2 kinds of copper, yellow and red, which shows the particular care taken by the blacksmith and therefore the importance of this fetish, it is well balanced and made with care. At the back the diamond pattern is common in this region, note 2 indigenous restorations with copper staples on the wood. From a Tourangeaute collection. It has a beautiful patina of use and is in good general condition, probably dating from the middle of the last century. Height excluding base 52.5 cm.