Tribal Art

Unlike the relatively flat kota ancestor sculptures, this partially metal clad statue bears a large head with a prominent forehead, framed by cylindrical ears. The eroded part is supported by a metal base.
This ritual sculpture, plated with metal sheets according to the kota tradition, forms a stylized image of the ancestor, a coat of arms also for the clan, and is generally distinguished by the shape of the headdress, which varies according to the region. The Kota inhabit the eastern part of Gabon, which is rich in iron ore, and some in the Republic of Congo. The blacksmith, in addition to wood carving, made tools for agricultural work as well as ritual weapons. The sculptures playing the role of "medium" between the living and the dead who watched over the descendants, were associated with the rites at the bwete , comparable to those of the Fang . This type of piece acted as a "guardian" of the relics above the baskets containing the mortuary remains of the ancestors of high lineage.