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sellingantiques.co.uk
ID #SA1152105
FOR SALE
£265
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Tribal Carved Mahongwe Reliquary Guardian Gabon
Rams Head Antiques
for sale €310     $337
£265
Rams Head Antiques

Rams Head Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2014
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Tribal Carved Mahongwe Reliquary Guardian Gabon

1900 - 1920
Description

This is a Kota Mahongwe reliquary figure created by the Kota people of Gabon, in Central Africa. The figure has domed eyes and triangular nose and has sheet copper to the back. It measures 42 cms and has the remains of its fixing post.

These wooden sculptures, adorned with metal (often brass or copper), are used in spiritual and ceremonial practices to house the remains of deceased ancestors and act as intermediaries between the living and the spirit realm. The figures are known for their distinctive elongated forms, often with a lozenge-shaped head, and are considered important cultural and artistic artifacts.

Physical Dimensions
Height
42cm (16.54")
Declaration

Rams Head Antiques has dated this Mahongwe Reliquary Guardian Figure to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1152105
Dealers Notes

Rams Head Antiques is a family business based in Wolsingham in Weardale where we have had shop premises for 28 years. The shop is generally open every Saturday from 11 am till 3 pm.

You are most welcome to visit the shop but please always check to confirm we are open before travelling. We have been in the antiques trade for well over thirty years now and stock a wide and varied range of antiques and decorative items specialising in carpets and Eastern and Oriental items as well as Georgian and Victorian furniture, mirrors, oil paintings, prints, ceramics and clocks.

We can arrange worldwide delivery on all the items we have in stock, please ask for an accurate quote.

Email:

We offer a full money back guarantee if you are not happy for whatever reason within a seven day period as long as the buyer pays for transportation costs.

Description
This is a Kota Mahongwe reliquary figure created by the Kota people of Gabon, in Central Africa. The figure has domed eyes and triangular nose and has sheet copper to the back. It measures 42 cms and has the remains of its fixing post.

These wooden sculptures, adorned with metal (often brass or copper), are used in spiritual and ceremonial practices to house the remains of deceased ancestors and act as intermediaries between the living and the spirit realm.

“
The figures are known for their distinctive elongated forms, often with a lozenge-shaped head, and are considered important cultural and artistic artifacts.
Rams Head Antiques
Height
42cm (16.54")
Date of Manufacture

Rams Head Antiques has dated this Mahongwe Reliquary Guardian Figure to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1152105
Rams Head Antiques
Rams Head Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2014
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Rams Head Antiques Profile Page

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A carved wooden Mahongwe reliquary guardian figure from Gabon wrapped in copper wire with metal sheet accents.
1 / 6
Archive I A carved wooden Mahongwe reliquary guardian figure from Gabon wrapped in copper wire with metal sheet accents.

Tribal Carved Mahongwe Reliquary Guardian Gabon

Archive II A carved wooden Mahongwe reliquary guardian figure from Gabon wrapped in copper wire with metal sheet accents. View II
Archive III A carved wooden Mahongwe reliquary guardian figure from Gabon wrapped in copper wire with metal sheet accents. View III
Archive IV Scale Reference for A carved wooden Mahongwe reliquary guardian figure from Gabon wrapped in copper wire with metal sheet accents.
Archive V A carved wooden Mahongwe reliquary guardian figure from Gabon wrapped in copper wire with metal sheet accents. View V
Archive VI A carved wooden Mahongwe reliquary guardian figure from Gabon wrapped in copper wire with metal sheet accents. View VI
Enlarged Archival View
Rams Head Antiques

Rams Head Antiques
Telephone 07769 255 544
Location
Wolsingham
Weardale
Durham
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/ramsheadantiques
Verified Since Sep 2014
Items For Sale 301
Items Sold 4,286
Rams Head Antiques
Rams Head Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2014
View Dealer Info
Location: Wolsingham, Weardale, Durham, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/ramsheadantiques
Verified
Sep 2014
For Sale
301
Sold
4,286
A carved wooden Mahongwe reliquary guardian figure from Gabon wrapped in copper wire with metal sheet accents.
Tribal Carved Mahongwe Reliquary Guardian Gabon
Ref: SA1152105
A carved wooden Mahongwe reliquary guardian figure from Gabon wrapped in copper wire with metal sheet accents.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Scale Reference
Archival Detail

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FAQs

Originating from Gabon in Central Africa, these stylized wooden figures covered in copper and brass wire were traditionally placed atop woven baskets containing ancestral remains to protect the sacred relics.

The core structure is carved from local hardwood, which is then wrapped in copper or brass wire and fitted with hand-hammered sheet metal plates secured by metal tacks.

Authentic ethnographic pieces demonstrate age through natural patination, verdigris oxidisation on copper elements, wear along the wooden base stem, and irregularities from hand-drawn wire.

Mount the sculpture on a neutral wall, display it on a bespoke metal stand within a shelving unit, or place it on a console table alongside modern ceramics.

Maintain the item in a dry environment away from direct sunlight; dust gently using a soft dry brush and avoid chemical polishes that remove natural patination and surface oxidisation.
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