Kota. <em>Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)</em>, 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)

Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)

Artist:KotaKota (Wumbu subgroup)Kota (Ndassa subgroup)

Medium: Wood, copper, brass

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:late 19th century

Dimensions: 20 1/4 x 8 3/4 x 2 1/4in. (51.4 x 22.2 x 5.7cm)

Collections:

Exhibitions:

Accession Number: 1989.51.2

Image: 1989.51.2_PS2.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
Kota reliquary figure known as Bwiti. Carved wood covered with copper and brass metal strips, engraved with geometric patterns. Concave, oval-shaped face bisected with two broad metal strips; remainder of the face covered with horizontally placed narrow metal strips. Almond-shaped eyes, nail heads as pupils. Nose, pointed dihedral shape; no mouth. "Extended elephant ears" with pendant earring of engraved metal strips. Crescent-shaped headdress, engraved along outer edge. Neck covered wtih single metal strip, engraved. Diamond-shaped lower portion of sculpture, top half covered wtih metal strip, lower portion wood left uncovered. CONDITION: Bottom of wood base damaged, some portions rotted away.

Brooklyn Museum