Figure de reliquaire , Kota, Gabon

Hélène et Philippe Leloup, Paris
collects ion privée

Wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Both crescents broken and glued. Base eroded due to prolonged use and exposure, as visible in the catalogue illustration. Metal plates in good condition. Fine layered encrusted patina to the rear.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cette très élégante figure de reliquaire mbulu ngulu relève du type dit "classique", que Louis Perrois attribue à la région de Franceville (Perrois, 1985 : 46). L'élancement de la silhouette - accentué par la beauté épurée du visage à plaques lisses en croix - contraste superbement avec la densité du décor gravé ornant le piét.mes nt, et la puissance du volume vu de profil. Au dos s'étire un losange rainuré, mis en valeur par la profonde patine brune, brillante sur les reliefs.

Surmontant les paniers en vannerie contenant les reliques, "les images d'ancêtres kota, appelées mbulu ngulu en langue des Kota du Sud, sont des images d'éternité dont le rôle est de maintenir un lien pérenne entre les vivants et les morts" (Perrois, 2005 : 76).