Gong, Metal

Reliquary Gong - Double

Gabon
Kota

Iron - Brass - Wood - Cowie Shells - Fabric
Early 20th century

Height: 81cm / Length: cm / Width: cm
Idiophone - Struck Directly

Like many tribes of Africa, the traditions and religion of the Kota is focused upon the ancestors. They believe the skulls and bones of their past chiefs have power over the well-being of the village in the afterlife. Wooden sculptures covered with sheets of copper and brass, known as reliquary or guardian figures are attached to objects that deal with connects to the ancestors, such as this double gong. Some argue that these figures are an abstract of the deceased individual, while others say they guard and protect the chief’s spirit. Nevertheless, the bones, themselves were sacred and not the wooden objects covered with metal, thus there was no contraction with selling these objects for profit to art dealers.

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDST-89

© Hartenberger World Music Collection