Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)
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Object Label
The Kota once used reliquary guardian figures (mbulu ngulu) to protect and demarcate the revered bones of family ancestors. The bones were preserved in containers made of bark or basketry. The mbulu ngulu stood atop this bundle, bound to it at the figure’s lozenge-shaped base. It is thought that the figurative form of the mbulu ngulu was intended to reinforce and communicate the reliquary’s intense power. Kota mbulu ngulu are unique among African sculptural forms in their combination of wood and hammered metal.
Caption
Kota; possibly Kota (Wumbu subgroup); Or Kota (Ndassa subgroup). Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu), late 19th century. Wood, copper, brass, 20 1/4 x 8 3/4 x 2 1/4in. (51.4 x 22.2 x 5.7cm) . Brooklyn Museum, The Adolph and Esther D. Gottlieb Collection, 1989.51.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1989.51.2_PS2.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)
Date
late 19th century
Geography
Place made: Gabon
Medium
Wood, copper, brass
Classification
Dimensions
20 1/4 x 8 3/4 x 2 1/4in. (51.4 x 22.2 x 5.7cm)
Credit Line
The Adolph and Esther D. Gottlieb Collection
Accession Number
1989.51.2
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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