The Mahongwe people, a subgroup of the Kota, inhabit the northeastern region of Gabon near the Republic of Congo. This small tribe, numbering between 3,000 and 5,000, has largely remained isolated, resisting significant French influence. Central to Mahongwe culture is an ancestor cult known as bwiti or bwete, which plays a vital role in their beliefs and rituals. Ancestor worship forms the foundation of their social and religious life, with a strong emphasis on relics from esteemed ancestors, viewed as protectors of the community.
Upon the death of a chief, initiates collect relics from the deceased, adorning them with metal and magical powders. These sacred items, along with charms and other potent substances, are stored in woven rattan baskets topped with wooden reliquary figures, often plated with thin copper or brass. Each Mahongwe clan possesses a reliquary housed at the back of the chief's hut. These figures are integral to communal rituals, where the clan chief dances while holding the reliquary.
Mahongwe reliquary figures are characterized by three distinct sections: an oval, concave face with a prominent topknot, a cylindrical neck, and an openwork base. Notably, the figures often lack mouths and have large heads without upper or side pieces. Due to their connection to ancestral rites, these figures are considered dangerous to handle.
Origin:
Condition: This figure is in excellent condition and does show signs of use.
Material: Wood, Copper
Measurement: 21" tall, 7" wide
Specific References
Used
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This Mahongwe reliquary figure from Gabon features an oval face and cylindrical neck, symbolizing ancestral worship and cultural heritage. Used in sacred rituals, it is a powerful artifact.