Reliquary Guardian Figure (Boumba Bwiti)
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Object Label
The Tsogho, like other groups in Gabon, construct bundles, often decorated with carved figures, to contain the remains of important ancestors and other powerful materials. Among the Tsogho, these bundles commemorate specific ancestors. Periodically, offerings are made to the reliquary, or boumba bwiti, to honor the ancestor and other members of the lineage. Families may also use the figures during initiations.
Caption
Tsogho. Reliquary Guardian Figure (Boumba Bwiti), late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, raffia, metal, bark cloth, glass, feathers, 12 x 7 1/2 in. (30.5 x 18.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Friede, 74.121.7. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Reliquary Guardian Figure (Boumba Bwiti)
Date
late 19th or early 20th century
Geography
Place made: Gabon
Medium
Wood, raffia, metal, bark cloth, glass, feathers
Classification
Dimensions
12 x 7 1/2 in. (30.5 x 18.4 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Friede
Accession Number
74.121.7
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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