Ex-collection of French African tribal art, the name of the collector will be communicated to the buyer. "Reliquary figure" of the Bwete with a flat face framed by cork-shaped excrescences representing the ears, surmounting a long neck encircled with copper wire. The hairstyle indicates hair gathered towards the back in a single braid. Glossy patina, minor erosions. Among the Shira-Punu group, the Massango, Mashango, Sango, Sangu, established themselves on the Chaillu massif in Gabon and in the province of Ngounié. The use of baskets and also reliquary packages with bones of the deceased, on which sculptures of this type were enthroned, was widespread throughout Gabon, among the Fang, the Kota, but also the Mitsogho and the Massango, among whom this cult takes the name of Bumba, Mbumba. The sculptures playing the role of "medium" between the living and the dead who watched over their descendants, were associated with bwete rites among the Kota, comparable to those of the Fang. In the exclusive presence of initiates, the major decisions of the clan were taken during ceremonies during which reliquaries were taken out and used. In order to reactivate its magical charge, the initiates rubbed the relic with sand.
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