Ambete Brass and Wood Reliquary Figure with Rear Cavity Gabon

Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners

Damage/Repair: Surface wear, scratches, rust and oxidation.

Very little is known about the Ambete. They are from an area between Gabon and the Congo river. They share an identity with the Kota people, and perhaps have picked up the reliquary cult from them. Their figures are similar to the Punu, Vuvi and especially Mitsogo. Ambete figures are used to hold the relics of clan elders who were members of men's cults devoted to hunting. The figures share in a striking manner the use of white paint to outline and emphasize the sculpted features.