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Kota Obamba reliquary from Haut Ogooué, Ancestor worship in African tribal art
Description
he Kota people are located in eastern Gabon, with a small extension into the Republic of Congo, and migrated in response to anthropogenic pressures from other ethnic groups (such as the Fang and Bakwele).
The Bakota clans lived in villages comprising several clans, which were themselves subdivided into family groups (dyo), descended from a common ancestor. Secret societies, such as that of the panther men, formed an aristocracy, and the Ngoye society was responsible for the initiation of young boys.
The cult of these ancestors was at the center of the religious and social life of the family group. Upon the death of their chief, the initiates took various relics from his remains, which were decorated with metal and coated with powders with multiple magical effects. These were then kept in baskets topped with stylized figures, an example of which is presented here. Only the Kota and Mahongwe covered their figurines entirely in copper or brass. Among the Kota, the reliquaries were kept outside the dwellings, in sacred huts on the edge of the village.
At the time of initiation into the cult of reliquaries, the clans would gather to perform collective rituals, and each clan chief would dance while holding the reliquary in his hands. Some reliquaries bore a large figure representing the founder of the lineage and smaller figures representing his successors.
Clan members were responsible for making offerings to their ancestors in order to benefit from their protection and favors.
The first examples entered collections in 1870-1880, following the expeditions of Pierre de Brazza and Alfred Marche to the Oogoué and Congo basins. Later, from the moment of first contact, missionaries sought to combat these customs, and the 1930s were marked by numerous burnings. Kota art quickly declined thereafter, following growing demand from European collectors, which makes this work an exceptional piece.
Detailed information
Artist: Anonymous (Southern Gabon)
Title: Kota Obamba reliquary head, Likouadiba Village (between Lastrouville and Okondjia)
Date of creation: Pre-1920
Field: African Tribal Sculpture
Description: Made from a single piece, this Kota sculpture contains no added elements; the Kota artist cut the general outline of the figure from a metal plate, which he applied to a wooden core, then proceeded by subtraction; the oval face, without a mouth, is concave, onto which striated brass strips are plated.
The sharp nose, pierced with nostrils, protrudes between two ivory cabochon eyes, placed slightly below the horizontal median line.
On either side of the face is a flat, quarter-moon-shaped section, decorated with geometric patterns, which balance the half-moon headdress above the head.
The face is mounted on a neck, from which two arms with geometric patterns extend in opposite directions, flaring slightly upwards, then a “body” surrounded by a brass blade, which is divided into two parts perpendicular to the plane of the body. This diamond shape held the sculpture in place on the relics and probably also served as a handle for displaying the figures.
On the back, there is a stylized figure in relief, which could be the warrior's braided hairstyle.
With its large head, small body, and short limbs, the statue echoes the proportions of a newborn baby, emphasizing the continuity of the group with its ancestors and that of the three classes of society: the “not yet born,” the living, and the dead.
Technique: Wooden core covered with brass, copper ring, ivory eyes.
Dimensions: 71 x 29 cm x 5 cm h. included in overall height
Notes: Separated from its reliquary chest, the object lost its sacred value and could be destroyed.
Category: Art
Tags: African tribal art
Trust rating: Green
Published on: January 21, 2026
Views: 2
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