MAHONGWE STYLE RELIQUARY GUARDIANS ARCHIVES, Gabon

In spite of their nice forms and very nice patina, we have no reason to believe that these pieces have seen tribal use.

These Mahongwe Guardians have been sold. They are left here for reference and educational purposes.

For unsold Mahongwe Guardians, GO TO MAHONGWE GUARDIANS PAGE

Mahongwe Style 10 SOLD

Mahongwe Style 14 SOLD

Photographs © Hamill Gallery

MAHONGWE Style RELIQUARY FIGURES ARCHIVES, Gabon

Figures like these were mounted on containers holding relics of important clan ancestors, serving as guardians. The Mahongwe are a subgroup of the Bakota, who, like the nearby Fang, also make reliquary guardians. Sheathed in metal (brass or copper wire), the figures are highly abstracted. They are dedicated to Bwitti, the spirit of the ancestors.

GO TO MAHONGWE GUARDIANS PAGE

GO TO MAHONGWE RELIQUARY GUARDIANS ARCHIVES PAGE (ALL SOLD)

GO TO RELIQUARY GUARDIANS PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN METALWORK PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN METALWORKS EXHIBITION PAGE

GO TO AFRICAN METALWORKS EXHIBITION 2 PAGE