About this artwork
Such flat, abstracted figures made of wood and brass were originally attached to baskets or bark boxes and served as guardians of the enclosed ancestral relics—typically the skulls and other bones of important men within the clan. Around 1930, the creation of these reliquary guardian figures ceased in response to the spread of Christianity throughout the region. Many sculptures were destroyed in the accompanying social upheaval.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 137
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Culture
- Kota
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Title
- Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)
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Place
- Gabon (Object made in)
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Date
- 1875–1925
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Medium
- Wood, brass, and ivory
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Dimensions
- H.: 34.3 cm (13 1/2 in.)
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Credit Line
- Purchased with funds provided by the Alsdorf Foundation
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Reference Number
- 1968.788
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
