African Art at the
Ralph Proctor Gallery"From the Realm of the Blacksmith"
Reliquary Figure
- country: Gabon
- ethnic group: Kota
- medium: wood, copper
- size: 20" H x 6.5" W x 3" D
- price: $850.
This item was placed into a basket of bones of an important person. The Kota people believe that the soul never leaves the bones and, therefore, must be protected. These figures, very popular among European masters, provided the necessary protection.