Reliquary Kota, Gabon, 1925

Alexandre Jacovleff (1887–1938), born in Saint Petersburg and later naturalized as French, was a prominent Russian painter. The son of a naval officer, he studied at the Imperial Aca...

Terracotta, 14th-15th century (thermoluminescence test: Interexpert 388317 from March 18, 1988). Koma-Bulsa motifs (Ghana), including a concave hairstyle with braided frontal ornamen...

The Ntomo mask is used during initiation rituals for youths in Bamana societies of West Africa. It is recognizable by its upper part shaped like a comb, with three to eight horns sym...

The Senoufo people inhabit areas spanning southern Mali, southern Burkina Faso, and northern Côte d'Ivoire. They are organized around the poro, a male initiation system where young boys learn their social and religious roles in sacred woods, away from the village. Initiation ceremonies can last up to twenty-one years, and ritual objects are carved by specialized artisans. The Kpélié mask...

A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances. This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand. We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised. This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting. Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging. Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep Kota Reliquary...

Beautiful rare Museum quality large antique bird knife of the Kota people type osele/musele onzil Tribe: Kota Country Gabon Period: Late 19th / early 20th century. Type knife : o...

A truly fantastic, engaging, and uniquely made African Kota Mahongwe Hongwe Reliquary Guardian Figure/ Sculpture made by the Kota (Bakota) pe...

Early and rare mask from Gabon, Central Africa, created by the Tsogho peoples. Powerful large mask with carved open eyes, and black painted eyes above, below heavy carved eyebrows. ...