GABONESE KOTA RELIQUARY FIGURE (MBULU NGULU). Kota reliquary figure (Mbulu Ngulu) from Gabon used by the Kota people to guard the remains of their ancestors. The reliquary figure would be placed on top of a basket or container holding the bones of important ancestors. The figures are not portraits but stylized representations meant to embody the power and connection to the ancestors. The structure is a wooden base covered with metal sheets, often copper or brass. - height: 15 inches. Estimate $140-200
