Sango reliquary figure from Gabon

Linked to ancestor worship, this type of stylized figure was called Mbumba Bwiti.

It was placed in a basket containing the relics of an important ancestor (bone, skull cap).

The oval face is plated with strips of copper and brass, alternately vertical and horizontal, thus marking the forehead and the mouth. The raised nose and the eyes marked by two mother-of-pearl buttons alone delimit the structure of the face, at the back a protrusion evokes the traditional hairstyle in a bun.

The lower part, a base featuring an openwork diamond pattern, has disappeared under the combined effect of wood-boring and erosion (replaced by basing) while the upper part has been protected by metal plating.

Beautiful and old used patina, Base by Eugene Betra.

Origin :

Ex. Private American collection

Ex. Philippe Morin collection France

Ex. galerie Olivier Larroque