Crest Mask / Reliquary Figure - Gabon
03
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04
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12
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Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
With almost a decade of experience bridging science, museum curation, and traditional blacksmithing, Julien has developed a unique expertise in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
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Description from the seller
Beautiful large reliquary figure from Gabon. Total lenght 75 cm, 7500 gram!
The spiritual connection between the living and the dead is given physical form in these reliquary guardians: carved figures that reflect religious views on the cycle of life and death. The living family not only honors the dead with ceremonies and gifts, but through prayer and ritual. They consult the deceased on significant matters such as warfare, infertility and the prevention of illness.
The traditional role of reliquary figures is to protect the ancestral remains which, in the case of the Mbete, were placed in the cavities carved into the backs of the sculptures. Their religion is based principally on the power of ancestral spirits and it was believed that small bones, such as finger bones and pieces of the skull, retained the power of deceased ancestors. By preserving the relics, that power would provide protection and blessing for the family members caring for the remains.
The sculptures are both symbolic and decorative, but the true value and power is credited to the relics held within. This has allowed the removal of such guardian figures without upsetting the significance of traditional belief.
Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured.
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
Beautiful large reliquary figure from Gabon. Total lenght 75 cm, 7500 gram!
The spiritual connection between the living and the dead is given physical form in these reliquary guardians: carved figures that reflect religious views on the cycle of life and death. The living family not only honors the dead with ceremonies and gifts, but through prayer and ritual. They consult the deceased on significant matters such as warfare, infertility and the prevention of illness.
The traditional role of reliquary figures is to protect the ancestral remains which, in the case of the Mbete, were placed in the cavities carved into the backs of the sculptures. Their religion is based principally on the power of ancestral spirits and it was believed that small bones, such as finger bones and pieces of the skull, retained the power of deceased ancestors. By preserving the relics, that power would provide protection and blessing for the family members caring for the remains.
The sculptures are both symbolic and decorative, but the true value and power is credited to the relics held within. This has allowed the removal of such guardian figures without upsetting the significance of traditional belief.
Shipping within 24 hours after the payment is received. Tracking number will be provided. Signature upon delivery. Fully insured.
Seller's Story
Asian African Art is a gallery specialized in authentic ethnographic art. Lately we are mainly focused on African Art
We also have a specialism in golden collectable coins.
Your order is in safe hands, we have more than 50 years experience in coins.
For more interesting items please visit our website: Asian African Art, located in the Netherlands.
Details
Country of Origin
Gabon
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Good condition
Title of artwork
Crest Mask / Reliquary Figure
Height
75 cm
Width
30 cm
Depth
28 cm
Weight
7500 g
Provenance
Private collection
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