Reliquary Guardian Figure (Boumba Bwiti)

Wooden figure consisting of a head and long neck attached to a reliquary bundle. Figure has powdered red tukula wood coloring, and reddish brown stained glass eyes. Thin metal strips have been attached to forehead and neck. Strips have a hammered pointed design. Two reddish-black feathers emerge from reliquary bundle on right side of figure. Bundle covered with various plant and other substances held together by crisscrossed fiber ropes. CONDITION: Very good, but fragile. Fibers in front of bundle coming loose; fiber ropes dry and some slightly brittle. Figure is attached to modern metal stand.