Reliquary Guardian Figure (Mbulu Ngulu)

Kota reliquary figure known as Bwiti. Carved wood covered with copper and brass metal strips, engraved with geometric patterns. Concave, oval-shaped face bisected with two broad metal strips; remainder of the face covered with horizontally placed narrow metal strips. Almond-shaped eyes, nail heads as pupils. Nose, pointed dihedral shape; no mouth. "Extended elephant ears" with pendant earring of engraved metal strips. Crescent-shaped headdress, engraved along outer edge. Neck covered wtih single metal strip, engraved. Diamond-shaped lower portion of sculpture, top half covered wtih metal strip, lower portion wood left uncovered. CONDITION: Bottom of wood base damaged, some portions rotted away.