Reliquary Kota - Bakota - Gabon

Origin. Gabon
Tribe name. Bakota
Material. Wood, copper
Dimension. 35 cm
Shipping method. Colissimo within 24-48h, open.

Decorative Kota reliquary

Global form: The figure presents a stylized, geometric structure made up of two distinct parts: a prominent head atop a hollow diamond-shaped body (symbolizing the ancestor's body).
Materials: It is crafted in carved wood, covered with sheets and bands of metal (likely copper and brass), a traditional technique intended to give the object a sacred, protective sheen.
Face details
Face shape: The face is concave, a classic feature of Kota styles, giving it a dynamic appearance under different light sources.
Facial elements:
The eyes are represented by protruding metal disks.
The nose is stylized, extending vertically down the center of the face.
A small discreet mouth is visible beneath the nose.
Ornaments: The sides of the head are adorned with lateral projections, reminiscent of ceremonial hairstyles or adornments. Strips of metal crisscross the face, highlighting the features and adding a complex decorative dimension.
Neck and base
The neck: It is represented by an elongated cylindrical section, entirely covered with spirals of metal wire, creating a striated texture that contrasts with the upper part.
The body: The base is formed by a rigid, symmetric diamond, which traditionally served as the 'foot' to insert the sculpture into the reliquary basket.
These figures were not realistic individual representations, but spiritual emblems charged with protecting the relics and ensuring the link between the living and the clan’s ancestors.