Kota Peoples, Sangu Group, Gabon

Sotheby's, London, 3 December 1984, lot 156

Good condition overall, with wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Small losses to the edges of the brass; the plate lifting slightly on the proper left side of the pony-tail. A piece of brass missing from the top of the upper projecting element on the proper left side. The proper right eye possibly restored. Some lifting to the brass coils around the body, but stable. The openwork base is broken and glued to both the left and right of where the body of the figure joins the base. Glue/filler visible, more noticeably at the proper right side; a small wooden peg or dowel to the proper left side, with further traces of glue. The break to the base remains slightly open at the rear, proper right side. Generally lightly encrusted dark surface to the wood, with the usual wear and small chips and losses. Slight waxiness to the surface in places, more especially to the bottom portion of the base, which is lighter in colour. The base has been cut in order for the figure to stand on its own.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The Kota peoples live in a wide area across eastern Gabon and parts of northern Congo. They are perhaps best known in the West for their highly distinctive reliquary guardian figures. Virtually unique within the field of African art, these objects are composed of an underlying wood structure covered with skilfully applied plates and strips of brass and copper - metals which have great prestige amongst the Kota.

Reliquary guardian figures were attached by their lozenge shaped bases to baskets or bundles containing the revered bones of important clan members. The mysterious and striking presence of these figures was intended both to suggest the memory of the ancestors and to protect their bones from desecration or sacrilege. As well as fulfilling the need to maintain good relations between both the living and dead members of a clan or lineage, these figures served 'a less well known purpose in magic rites, particularly in divination and healing, even sometimes, and more covertly, in "black magic".' (Louis Perrois, Kota, Milan, 2012, p. 152).