#8182 Rare African ambete reliquary Statue Gabon on a custom wood stand 30.5" h

 Superb from a private collection ,Old ambete reliquary  Gabon standing  figure on a custom wood stand with amazing   . the piece shows splits, scrapes,holes, old termite holes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use .amazing in person .measures : 30.5" h by 8" w

Like their Kota speaking neighbors the Ambete make use of reliquary figures to honor and commemorate important lineage members. Most Ambete reliquary figures have a small opening in the back of the figure that would be covered by a small door to hold the bones of an ancestor. The opening in this figure is empty.  This figure is a striking figure that carries a great deal of visual presence. The strong body has small parallel arms as well as slightly modeled legs and feet  The face is  powerful  , a  short triangular nose, and an open rectangular mouth without indication of teeth.