This is the rating and price for 20Th C. African Wood Reliquary Figure Mbulu Ngulu

Description : Central Africa, Gabon, Kota peoples, Mahongwe group, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fascinating reliquary figure known as an mbulu ngulu, hand-carved from wood to present a stylized visage with an elaborate headdress, all enveloped in a creamy white pigment. The teardrop-shaped head rests atop a lengthy, bulbous neck on a discoid base with 4 downward pointing spikes, presumably for attachment to funerary bundles. The evocative countenance gazes forward, presenting slender eyes beneath an arched brow, a triangular nose, a narrow chin, and an open mouth with 1 row of square teeth. A crescent-shaped adornment crowns the headdress, which surrounds the head with a rounded top and an undulating lower periphery. Size: 5.6 W x 15.2 H (14.2 cm x 38.6 cm), 16.3 H (41.4 cm) on included custom stand. According to the Saint Louis Art Museum, It is thought that the figurative form of the mbulu ngulu was intended to reinforce and communicate the reliquary's intense power. The Kota used reliquary guardian figures to protect and identify the revered bones of family ancestors. The Kota believed that the relics of important men and women retain power after death, providing protection and good fortune to an individual's descendants. The remains 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. Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, ex-private California, USA collection, ex Heritage Auctions All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #172457
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