Tribal Art

African sculpture of Mbumba Sango reliquary, small in size, offering a flat face overlooking a long neck decorated with metal spirals. The abstract morphology forms a diamond, respecting traditional standards. Glossy brown patina, copper metal.
Among the Shira-Punu group, the Massango, Mashango, Sango, Sangu, established themselves on the Chaillu massif in Gabon and in the province of Ngounié. The use of baskets and also reliquary packages with bones of the deceased, on which sculptures of this type were enthroned, was widespread throughout Gabon, among the Fang, the Kota, but also the Mitsogho and the Massango, among whom this cult takes the name of Bumba, Mbumba. The sculptures playing the role of "medium" between the living and the dead who watched over their descendants, were associated with bwete rites among the Kota, comparable to those of the Fang. In the exclusive presence of initiates, the major decisions of the clan were taken during ceremonies during which reliquaries were taken out and used.