Rare SANGO reliquary figure, MBUMBA BWETE. Gabon. H.... Lot 231

Rare SANGO reliquary figure, MBUMBA BWETE. Gabon. H. 17 cm This reliquary comes from the Centre-Gabon, in the region of Mimongo Mbigou. Ancient reliquary head decorated with stapled brass leaves, the eyes figured by two bone fragments. A very old, dark, slightly crusty patina covers the entire sculpture. The diamond-shaped base is missing. This type of reliquary figure, which is very rare, was placed on top of the reliquary bag or basket where the bones of the ancestors, chiefs of clans, were kept... See: Louis Perrois. Arts of Gabon. Editions AAN. For a close example see Christie's sale of October 30, 2019, lot N° 21.