African Tribal Art - Couple Of Mbédé Nah Reliquary Statues

Belgian gallery collection

The Mbete, also known as Ambete, are renowned for their anthropomorphic sculptures which play a crucial role in ancestor worship called onkani. These works often depict ancestors, lineage or clan leaders, as well as notable personalities.
A distinctive feature of these sculptures is the dorsal cavity which contains nails and sometimes a fragment of a feather, symbolizing the insignia of the nkani or chief. The faces are recognizable by their distinctive physiognomy, often decorated with a toothed mouth. The arms are generally bent at a right angle and attached to the chest, while the muscular legs are slightly bent.
The Mbete live in a region neighboring the Obamba, south of Ogôoué in Gabon. Their history is marked by prolonged conflicts with the Teke. Unlike certain communities which use classic reliquary boxes, the Mbete, in the absence of a centralized political organization, use these sculptures as part of their religious practices dedicated to their ancestors.

The Mbete, also known as Ambete, are renowned for their anthropomorphic sculptures which play a crucial role in ancestor worship called onkani. These works often depict ancestors, lineage or clan leaders, as well as notable personalities.
A distinctive feature of these sculptures is the dorsal cavity which contains nails and sometimes a fragment of a feather, symbolizing the insignia of the nkani or chief. The faces are recognizable by their distinctive physiognomy, often decorated with a toothed mouth. The arms are generally bent at a right angle and attached to the chest, while the muscular legs are slightly bent.
The Mbete live in a region neighboring the Obamba, south of Ogôoué in Gabon. Their history is marked by prolonged conflicts with the Teke. Unlike certain communities which use classic reliquary boxes, the Mbete, in the absence of a centralized political organization, use these sculptures as part of their religious practices dedicated to their ancestors.

Item accompanied by its certificate of authenticity.
PS: what does the certificate of authenticity consist of? https://www.galerie-art-africain.com/faq.aspx?qid=8

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Ref: YLF426MB29