African Tribal Art - Kota Reliquary

French collection of African art.

The Kota, residents of the eastern part of Gabon and parts of the Republic of Congo, were known for their use of iron ore. In addition to wood carving, blacksmiths made agricultural tools and ritual weapons. Their sculptures served as a medium between the living and the ancestors, playing an important role in the rites of the bwete, similar to those of the Fang. Some artifacts, such as mbulu-viti, were bifaced, symbolizing both masculine and feminine aspects. The ngulu, guardians of the relics placed above the baskets containing the mortuary remains of high-ranking ancestors, were used during ceremonies reserved for initiates, where the major decisions of the clan were made. To reactivate their magical power, the initiates rubbed the relics with sand.

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