Bakota 2005B

Tribe : Kota, Tshogo, Fang, Punu
Country of origin : Gabon, Central Africa

These visually striking figures are the guardians of the ancestorial relics of the people of the village. They were made by skilled craftsmen to protect the ancestors from witchcraft and evil spirits and bring good luck to the village.

They were used in certain ceremonies or when the village had to make important decisions, during celebration and/or honouring the passing of highly regarded figures.

These figures were made from wood, brass and copper and depicted elaborate hairstyles and jewellery. The metal was polished to a bright shine to reflect the firelight at night, thus offering greater protection.