Figure of reliquary Kota Ngulu - Gabon - African Art
Similar Sale History
View More Items in Tribal & Native American Artifacts
Discover Similar Items
Item DetailsTitle: Figure of reliquary Kota Ngulu - Gabon - African Art Tribal Art Date/Period: Second half 20th century Origin: Gabon Dimension: 21,26 Inch Weight: 3,75 Pounds Materials: Wood, copper Item Type: Reliquary, statue, figure Additional Information: This ritual sculpture, plated with copper leaves according to the kota tradition, forms a stylized image of the ancestor, a coat of arms also for the clan, and is generally distinguished by the shape of the headdress, which varies according to the regions. The Kota inhabit the eastern part of Gabon, which is rich in iron ore, and some in the Republic of Congo. The blacksmith, in addition to wood carving, made tools for agricultural work as well as ritual weapons. Sculptures playing the role of 'medium' between the living and the dead who watched over the descendants, were associated with the rites of the bwete, comparable to those of the Fang . They are sometimes bifaces, mbulu-viti, symbolizing both the masculine and feminine aspects. This type of coin, called ngulu, served as a 'guardian' relics above the baskets containing the mortuary remains of high-line ancestors. In the exclusive presence of insiders, the clan's major decisions were made during ceremonies during which the reliquaries were taken out and used. In order to reactivate the magical charge, the initiates rubbed the relic with sand. Among the Kota, these figures have achieved a staggering degree of stylization and abstraction: reduced to the shoulders and arms surmounted by a large face, the latter can be concave (female) or convex (male).
Stand not included.
Reserve: $261.00
Shipping: Domestic: Flat-rate of $55.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Belgium
Your purchase is protected:
Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.
Description
Stand not included.
Reserve: $261.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Good, see pictures.
Buyer's Premium
- 15%
Figure of reliquary Kota Ngulu - Gabon - African Art
Estimate $528 - $609
Oct 28, 2021
Shipping, Payment & Auction Policies
Ships from Belgium
Accepts seamless payments through LiveAuctioneers
Related Searches
0002: Figure of reliquary Kota Ngulu - Gabon - African Art
Sold for $261
•0 BidsEst. $528 - $609•Starting Price $200
Exclusive Tribal Art, Masks, and More!Oct 28, 2021 9:00 PM EDTBuyer's Premium 15%
Lot 0002 Details
DescriptionTitle: Figure of reliquary Kota Ngulu - Gabon - African Art Tribal Art Date/Period: Second half 20th century Origin: Gabon Dimension: 21,26 Inch Weight: 3,75 Pounds Materials: Wood, copper Item Type: Reliquary, statue, figure Additional Information: This ritual sculpture, plated with copper leaves according to the kota tradition, forms a stylized image of the ancestor, a coat of arms also for the clan, and is generally distinguished by the shape of the headdress, which varies according to the regions. The Kota inhabit the eastern part of Gabon, which is rich in iron ore, and some in the Republic of Congo. The blacksmith, in addition to wood carving, made tools for agricultural work as well as ritual weapons. Sculptures playing the role of 'medium' between the living and the dead who watched over the descendants, were associated with the rites of the bwete, comparable to those of the Fang . They are sometimes bifaces, mbulu-viti, symbolizing both the masculine and feminine aspects. This type of coin, called ngulu, served as a 'guardian' relics above the baskets containing the mortuary remains of high-line ancestors. In the exclusive presence of insiders, the clan's major decisions were made during ceremonies during which the reliquaries were taken out and used. In order to reactivate the magical charge, the initiates rubbed the relic with sand. Among the Kota, these figures have achieved a staggering degree of stylization and abstraction: reduced to the shoulders and arms surmounted by a large face, the latter can be concave (female) or convex (male).
Stand not included.
Reserve: $261.00
Shipping: Domestic: Flat-rate of $55.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: Foreign shipping rates are determined by destination. International shipping may be subject to VAT. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Belgium
Your purchase is protected:
Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.
...
Stand not included.
Reserve: $261.00
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
Photos, descriptions, and estimates were prepared with the utmost care by a fully certified expert and appraiser. All items in this sale are guaranteed authentic.
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Jasper52 specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Jasper52 within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
...
Good, see pictures.
Contacts
Jasper52
(212) 634-0978101 Avenue of the Americas
Suite 900
New York, NY 10013
USA
LiveAuctioneers Support
info@liveauctioneers.com
Get notifications from your favorite auctioneers.
As Seen On
Shop With Confidence
Since 2002, LiveAuctioneers has made exceptional items available for safe purchase in secure online auctions.
© 2002-2022 LiveAuctioneers. All Rights Reserved.Cookie PolicyTerms & ConditionsIntellectual PropertyPrivacy Policy
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Terms of Service and Privacy Policy apply.
TOP