Fascinating Ambete Reliqary Figure w. Compartment, Male

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African Tribal Art Ambete Reliquary Figure Gabon Material: wood, pigment, metal Condition: overall good Size: approx 27" high (69cm ) ref J488 Ambete Reliquary Figure Gabon These rare and fascinating reliquary figures are always in male/female pairs. This is the male; I am selling the female of the pair concurrently on eBay -- please check my other items.The Ambete are part of the same group as the Kota and the Punu and share with them a cult surrounding ancestral bones. Their reliquary figures are particulary interesting. They are usually quite large, columnar in shape, and have a compartment at the back w small bone fragments were kept.The figures are quite large at 27" tall. They have iron teeth set into their mouths and the almond-shaped eyes are made of brass. The faces and bodies would have been highlighted with white kaolin clay, but much of this has now been lost. The doors to the compartments are also missingThe faces are extremely distinctive, lozenge-shaped, with a central brow beneath which are smallish, fierce features designed to scare away potential thieves of the precious bones. The backs of the heads have been carved into ritualized coiffures..This is a very rare and powerful figure, seldom offered for sale on eBay. Please see below for further photos and shipping and payment details. Get simple, reliable, and read more

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