A female Kota reliquary figure (mbulu ngulu) from Gabon, traditionally used to protect ancestral relics stored inside bark containers. These guardian figures embody the spiritual presence of the ancestors and were believed to ensure protection, fertility, and well-being for the family and community. This example represents a female figure, visible in its softly rounded form and stylized feminine features, while maintaining the abstract, geometric aesthetic characteristic of Kota art. The figure features the distinctive application of copper sheets over a wooden core, creating a powerful contrast and enhancing its visual and ritual presence. Condition: Good vintage condition, with minor wear and marks consistent with ritual use. Materials: Wood and copper Origin: Kota culture, Gabon. Period: 20th century. An impressive and authentic piece of Central African ancestral art, representing feminine energy, ideal for collectors of tribal and ethnographic objects.