African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota Mohongwe Peoples Art

Name: African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota Mohongwe Peoples Art
Brand: Euro Antiques
SKU: LU4082131216732
Price: 3200.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$3,200.00 USD

Sale Sold out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

If it is not as we described it, we make it right. Wrong dimensions, undisclosed damage, or any material misdescription — tell us within 7 days and we refund you in full, pay the return shipping, and charge no restocking fee.

Enquire about this piece

Additional photographs, measurements or a condition report — sent the same day. Call 305-975-0601.

Shipping

Request a shipping quote

A fantastically hand-crafted piece by the Kota (or Bakota) tribe who are located in the northeastern region of Gabon. This figure, which is a Mahongwe reliquary figure as exhibited with its truncated almond-shaped face, is made of wound copper, hammered brass and wood. Reliquary figures were used as guardians to protect the revered bones of venerated family ancestors and leaders and ward off unwanted spirits. These figures are meant to embody intense powers and were also commonly used in communal rites and ritual performances.

This particular piece came from an American collector who traveled the African continent and collected African artifacts for over 50 years. This piece has a beautiful, organically aged patina acquired naturally over time and use. It is mounted on a custom wooden display stand.

We believe it dates back to the early to mid-1900s but could be older. We are listing as 20th century because we did not have it appraised.

This African Tribal Statue Osseyba or Reliquary Figure Kota (Bakota) Mohongwe Peoples decorative art would clearly stand out as part of a collection or by itself in any setting.

Truly unique, eye-catching and engaging.

Dimensions on stand: 25 3/4" High, 7" Wide, 5 1/2" Deep

Kota Reliquary figures resemble human forms reduced to their most basic flattened geometrical elements and are made from hand carved wood accented with hammered brass, often taken from imported European dishes, and coiled copper.

Many of these reliquary works were destroyed, burned or thrown into lakes by missionaries in the early to mid 20th century to repress the Kota peoples and ancestor cults that made them. As a result, the tribespeople were forced to hide them in secret, often in ancient cemeteries deep in the forest, to protect their rites, practices, and rituals. Today Kota reliquary figures have become nearly iconic in the world of art and are often recognizable by Western viewers.

Notes on this piece

One of a kind. Sold in as-found condition with wear consistent with its age. Ask us for additional photographs or measurements before you buy — we answer the same day.
Returns. One day from delivery for a change of mind — buyer pays shipping and a 15% restocking fee. If the fault is ours, none of that applies: 7 days, full refund including your original shipping, we pay the return freight, no restocking fee. See our refund policy.

Shipping & returns

Shipping is quoted per order. Small pieces travel insured by ground courier; furniture travels white-glove freight, room of choice, from our Miami warehouse.

Returns for a change of mind: one day from delivery, buyer pays shipping and a 15% restocking fee. If a piece is not as we described it, you have 7 days — we refund in full including your original shipping, pay the return freight, and charge no restocking fee.

Questions? Call 305-975-0601.

Domestic shipping

Every piece ships from our warehouse in Miami. Shipping is quoted per order, so you are never charged an estimate — we price the actual crate, the actual route, and the actual service level, and send it to you before you commit.

Small and medium decorative objects — lamps, vases, prints, ceramics — travel by FedEx or UPS Ground, fully insured, signature required. Typical transit is 3–7 business days.

Furniture and large pieces travel by white-glove freight with BMC International Freight. Delivery is room of choice, subject to the carrier's access at your address. Freight transit varies by destination and is typically 7–14 business days. We contact you to arrange a delivery window.

International shipping

We ship worldwide, quoted case by case. Tell us the piece and the destination and we will price crating, freight, insurance and customs handling for you.

Packing

Every piece is packed by hand using museum-quality materials. Fragile items are double-boxed with custom foam inserts. Glass and detachable elements are removed and packed separately, then reassembled on arrival.

Returns

Returns are accepted within one day of delivery. To return a piece, notify us within that window and return it in the same condition in which it arrived.

The buyer pays all shipping costs — outbound and return — and a 15% restocking fee.

This mirrors the terms you already know from the major marketplaces. Because the window is short, we would rather you ask first: request additional photographs, measurements or a condition report before you buy, and we will send them the same day.

If something arrives damaged

Photograph the packaging and the piece before unpacking further, and contact us within 48 hours. We handle all freight claims directly and will arrange a resolution.