Reliquary Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)
Item
Accession Number
2018.8
Title
Reliquary Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)
Ethnic Group
Kota
Subject
Figure|Funeral|Central Africa
Country
Gabon
Date
20th Century
Medium
Wood|Copper|Brass
Format
H x W: 13.5 x 4 in. (34.29 x 10.16 cm)
Description
The Kota placed these reliquary figures in baskets that carried the bones of their ancestors, believing that these ancestors' powers existed beyond death and that the figures were protecting them. The image of the reliquary figure protects the relics by reminding people of their power.
