Reliquary Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
The Kota believe that the bones of important men and women retain power after death, providing protection and good fortune to an individual's descendants. The bones are preserved in reliquaries made of bark or basketry. On top are placed figures known as bwiti. This bwiti typifies the Kota style. The face is covered with strips of hammered brass and copper. The neck swells into an open lozenge shape, the lower part of which is thrust into the container of bones forming its "body."
Caption
Kota (Ndumu or Obamba subgroup). Reliquary Figure (Mbulu Ngulu), late 19th–early 20th century. Wood, copper alloy, copper, accumulated/applied materials, 20 3/4 x 8 3/8 x 2 1/4 in. (52.7 x 21.3 x 5.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos, 56.6.19. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Reliquary Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)
Date
late 19th–early 20th century
Geography
Place made: Gabon
Medium
Wood, copper alloy, copper, accumulated/applied materials
Classification
Dimensions
20 3/4 x 8 3/8 x 2 1/4 in. (52.7 x 21.3 x 5.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Arturo and Paul Peralta-Ramos
Accession Number
56.6.19
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