Mahongwe Reliquary Statue

Click Here for New Arrivals!

African art: In the eyes of Africans residing within the equatorial regions, life was a two part ensemble. First existence in the world of the living then secondly existence in the spirit world. It was of great importance for contact between these two worlds to be sustained. The reliquary is an object that unites human remains; skulls and bones with a carved statuette. It was designed to act as a receptacle and dwelling place for the spirit of the dead. The bones were placed in a basket, covered over with fibers and the reliquary was placed lastly on top. These reliquary provided a physical point of contact for the living to connect with the deceased and visa versa. Artistically, these objects vary in styling from tribe to tribe. The reliquary of the Mahongwe (also called Ossyeba) characteristically feature a snake-like face, fashioned from copper binding and brass wires. The statuette was to take on a non corporeal ghost like form. One that had rounded all seeing eyes an abstract nose and mouth. This lends to the supernatural aspect of the piece. Every Mahongwe clan had a reliquary that was kept in the back of the chiefs hut. They were brought out only during special ceremonies. Reliquaries made for prominent figures were a bit more elaborate in design and celebrated in spirit. Our selection has been richly detailed with brass metal plating over the entire head in the form of strips coupled with raised embossments, rippled neck, shoulders, chest and stomach, rhomboid shapes down the back and as wrist bands. The addition of such adornment was done out of respect for the deceased and to enhance the power and voice of the reliquary vessel. The waist has been tastefully wrapped with a natural fiber cloth. This offering is celebrated uncommon and well crafted from head to toe!

Please click photo for enlargement! See other photos below.

Please scroll down to Order.

When OFFLINE click button to leave a message!

Dimensions: 33 7/8 inches tall x 8 3/4 from widest point x 6 3/4 inches deep.

Wt: 28 lbs. shipping

**For a complete inventory listing please go to the 'Index' section on the Navigation Bar to your right**