This compelling abstract form is attributed to the MaHongwe people in north Gabon, a subpopulation of the Kota in the same region. Sculpted of a wooden form wrapped in metal wire, this work recreates the reliquary figures of "bwete" ancestor practices. Such figures would have been placed above a basket containing ancestral relics, and represented the founder of the familial lineage.

The highly abstracted ancestor figures are nonetheless sculpted with fantastic detail. Radiating from a central pair of eyes and nose, hammered wire densely wraps around the figure's head, continuing down to the body and up towards a tuft of hair. The wooden base is enclosed with a layer of thin copper sheet metal, decorated on front and back with a round face with two piercing eyes.

Coiled wire has unraveled around the neck. Moderate wear and verdigris oxidation.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Coiled wire has unraveled around the neck. Moderate wear and verdigris oxidation consistent with age and use.

Origin:
Gabon

Materials & Techniques:
Copper, Wood

Details:
Country of Origin: Gabon
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Art Subjects: Abstract, Geometric, Figure

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Coiled wire has unraveled around the neck. Moderate wear and verdigris oxidation consistent with age and use.