Reliquary Kota, Gabon, 1925

About the Item

This exceptional Kota reliquary comes from the Mahogwe tribe, which lives along the Ogooué River in Gabon. The Mahogwe are part of the Kota ethnic group located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This sculpture is remarkable because it was collected in situ by a colonial administrator named Fernand Oliveda, who served as a high-ranking administrator between 1888 and 1930 in Madagascar, Senegal, and the Congo. In 1925, he was the chief secretary to the governor-general of Moyen-Congo (the name then given to Gabon). It is very rare to have clear provenance for such an object, as its collection of African art has remained in the family since. Composed of wood, brass, and copper. Fine strips of brass and copper envelop the wooden core. On the back, a fine decorated brass/copper plate covers the wood. A custom modern iron stand is provided to display the sculpture. Dimensions H : 42 cm L : 15 cm P : 8 cm H: 16.54 in L: 5.91 in P: 3.15 in

Dimensions:
Height: 16.54 in (42 cm)Width: 5.91 in (15 cm)Depth: 3.15 in (8 cm)
Style:
Tribal (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Brass,Wood
Place of Origin:
Gabon
Period:
1920-1929
Date of Manufacture:
1925
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use.
Seller Location:
Paris, FR
Reference Number:
Seller: 3201stDibs: LU1012834891942