ON SALE

The Mahongwe are related to the BaKota peoples. They live in the extreme northeast of Gabon near the Republic of the Congo border. They are very prideful of their resistance to French penetration and influences. Socially the Mahongwe are exceptionally devoted to the Bwete cult that is at the center of system of beliefs, social rites and religious practices. The Mahongwe are also extremely fearful of the deceased. In fact their primary object that has been widely admired in the art world is their unique reliquary which is a vessel designed to hold the relics and bones of the dead. This container is topped by a Mahongwe signature styled form; a snake-like head fashioned from metal plating, wires and heavy twining. The flattened face has two round bulging eyes, and is sometimes configured with or without a slender triangular nose and lipless mouth giving it an otherworldly appearance. The majority of their creations will include this symbol. Adhering to tradition the famous Mahongwe head has been rightfully (and beautifully) incorporated onto their fertility doll a practice that is disappearing. This selection is nicely aged and shows off a dark patina, tin plating, fiber top and neck binding and a fabric loin cloth. The figure realized a surface age crack several decades ago which resulted in the placement of a small metal strip to hold a section of the side in place. As a result the torso is solidly and completely intact. The tip of the lower left foot is missing as a result of use through the years. These scars from usage add to the aged character and authenticity of this selection passed down through generation to generation as a symbol tribal and family potency. The overall craftsmanship is beautiful.

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Dimensions: The doll measures 18 inches tall x 5 inches wide. 

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