Reliquary Figure of the Southern Kota, "Mbulu Ngulu"

Gabon, 39 cm (1' 3") Reliquary figures of the Kota rank among the most sought-after objects of traditional African art and have long held a particular fascination for international collectors. Originally created as protective figures within the ancestral cult, they are distinguished by their extraordinary sculptural language, their rigorous reduction to fundamental geometric forms, and the skilful combination of wood and metal. It was precisely this stylistic abstraction that fascinated leading European artists of the modernist movement and is frequently discussed in connection with the development of Cubism. The present reliquary figure of the Southern Kota is a particularly fine example of this distinctive artistic tradition. The crescent-shaped upper section and the trapezoidal lateral elements are adorned with carefully punched ornaments. The forehead is defined by a wedge-shaped sheet of brass that extends downwards to form the prominent nose. A second wedge-shaped element, arranged in the opposite direction, forms the mouth. The entire front of the figure is covered with brass sheeting. The diagonally positioned, slit-shaped copper eyes provide an appealing contrast, lending the strictly geometric face an intense and penetrating expression. The underlying wooden structure displays a beautiful, richly developed patina of age, enhancing the distinctive character of this impressive ritual object. Comparable reliquary figures of this type are dated to the 19th century, as demonstrated by examples in the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. An almost identical comparable example is illustrated in the publication Les Forêts natales, p. 99, fig. 223. Further ethnographic background on ancestor veneration and the significance of reliquary figures can be found in the description of catalogue lot 210. The harmonious combination of rigorously geometric forms, finely punched metalwork, and an impressive patina of age makes this reliquary figure an outstanding example of the traditional art of the Southern Kota. Provenance: Miguel Porta, Spain; Gerhard F. Vesely, Austria. Estimate: € 10000 - 15000 Starting bid: € 7000

Estimation:10.000€

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